deign

Deign is defined as to lower one's self to do or say something, and to do so with a high sense of one's own superiority.

(verb)

An example of deign is to refuse to discuss an issue with friends because one thinks he is too intelligent.

See deign in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb

to condescend to do something thought to be slightly beneath one's dignity: the duchess deigned to shake my hand

Origin: ME deignen < OFr deignier < L dignare, dignari, to deem worthy < dignus, worthy: see dignity

transitive verb

to condescend to give: to deign no answer

See deign in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb deigned, deign·ing, deigns

verb, intransitive

To think it appropriate to one's dignity; condescend: wouldn't deign to greet the servant who opened the door. See Synonyms at stoop¹.

verb, transitive

To condescend to give or grant; vouchsafe. “Nor would we deign him burial of his men” (Shakespeare).

Origin:

Origin: Middle English deinen

Origin: , from Old French deignier, to regard as worthy

Origin: , from Latin dignārī

Origin: , from dignus, worthy; see dek- in Indo-European roots

Learn more about deign

deign synonyms

deign in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD