deign
C2Formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
To do something that one considers beneath one's dignity; to condescend.
To reluctantly agree to do something, often with an air of superiority or patronizing attitude.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always implies a hierarchical relationship where the subject is of higher status or perceives themselves as such. Often used in negative constructions or questions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British literary contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties carry strong connotations of arrogance, condescension, or outdated social hierarchy.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, primarily found in formal writing and older literature.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] deigns to [infinitive verb][Subject] did not deign to [infinitive verb]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not deign to do something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in narratives about arrogant executives: 'The CEO didn't deign to attend the staff meeting.'
Academic
Found in literary criticism and historical texts discussing social hierarchies.
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual conversation. Would sound archaic or sarcastic.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She didn't deign to reply to his impertinent email.
- Would you deign to join us for tea, Your Grace?
American English
- He didn't deign to look at the proposal from the junior team.
- The celebrity barely deigned to acknowledge her fans.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form exists.
American English
- No adverb form exists.
adjective
British English
- No adjective form exists.
American English
- No adjective form exists.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The manager didn't deign to answer my question.
- She finally deigned to attend the meeting, but arrived twenty minutes late.
- Would you deign to explain what you mean by that remark?
- The aristocrat scarcely deigned to notice the servants who attended to his every need.
- Having achieved fame, the author no longer deigned to respond to correspondence from aspiring writers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DEIGN sounds like 'dainty' - imagine a dainty aristocrat who thinks they're too good for ordinary tasks.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL SUPERIORITY IS PHYSICAL HEIGHT (stooping down, lowering oneself)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'удостоить' which is more neutral. 'Deign' always implies condescension.
- Do not use as a direct translation for 'снизойти' in religious contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using it without 'to' + infinitive (✗'He deigned a reply' ✓'He deigned to reply')
- Using it in positive contexts without irony (it's almost always negative)
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'deign' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's relatively rare and mostly found in formal or literary contexts. Most native speakers understand it but rarely use it in everyday conversation.
Almost never. Even when used literally ('The queen deigned to visit the hospital'), it carries connotations of condescension. Modern usage is typically negative or sarcastic.
It must be followed by 'to' + infinitive verb: 'deign to do something'. It cannot take a direct object alone.
No, there's no commonly used noun form. Related concepts would use 'condescension' or 'patronage'.