deserts
Definition
Noun (plural form, used with a singular or plural verb): 1. That which is deserved or merited; just reward or punishment: This refers to the appropriate consequences, whether positive or negative, that a person earns based on their actions or character.
Usage Notes
- The word "deserts" in this sense is pronounced /dɪˈzɜːrts/ (dee-ZURTS). It is crucial to distinguish it from the homograph "deserts" meaning arid regions (pronounced /ˈdɛzərts/), and from the word "desserts" (sweet foods).
- It is almost always used in the phrase "to get one's (just) deserts", meaning to receive the punishment or reward one deserves.
- It is a formal or literary term.
Examples
- The corrupt official finally got his just deserts when he was sentenced to prison.
- She worked tirelessly for the charity and has now received her deserts in the form of widespread recognition.
- In the story, the villain met with his deserts.
Advanced Usage
- The singular form "desert" (pronounced /dɪˈzɜːrt/) is archaic and rarely used in modern English. The concept is almost exclusively expressed with the plural form "deserts".
- The word carries a strong connotation of poetic justice or cosmic retribution.
Variants and Related Words
- Desert (verb, /dɪˈzɜːrt/): To abandon or leave without permission.
- He deserted his post.
- Desert (noun, /ˈdɛzərt/): A dry, barren area of land.
- the Sahara Desert
- Dessert (noun, /dɪˈzɜːrt/): The sweet course eaten at the end of a meal.
- We had ice cream for dessert.
Synonyms
- Due
- Comeuppance (usually for negative deserts)
- Just reward
- Retribution (usually for negative deserts)
- Recompense
Idioms and Phrases
- To get/receive one's (just) deserts: To be rewarded or punished appropriately.
- He thought he could cheat everyone, but in the end he got his just deserts.
Noun
-
an outcome (good or bad) that is well deserved
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