deign
What does "deign" mean?
To "deign" means to do something that one considers beneath one's dignity. It carries a strong sense of haughtiness or condescension, implying that the person is granting a favor by lowering themselves to interact with someone or something they deem inferior. The word is almost exclusively used in formal or literary contexts to describe an action performed with an air of superior grace. You will often see it followed by "to" and a verb, such as "deign to reply" or "deign to notice," highlighting the reluctance of the subject to engage.
"deign" in conversation
A haughty manager ignoring an intern
Excuse me, sir, do you have a minute to review this report?
Excuse me, sir, do you have a minute to review this report?
I suppose I can deign to look at it before my lunch meeting.
I suppose I can deign to look at it before my lunch meeting.
The speaker uses 'deign' to emphasize that they are doing the intern a huge favor.
Discussing a snobbish celebrity
Did the star sign any autographs for the fans outside?
Did the star sign any autographs for the fans outside?
No, she didn't even deign to look in their direction.
No, she didn't even deign to look in their direction.
Used here to suggest the celebrity felt the fans were not worthy of her attention.
"deign" in a sentence
She did not deign to answer his question.
She did not deign to answer his question.
The king finally deigned to speak with the commoners.
The king finally deigned to speak with the commoners.
He would not deign to acknowledge the existence of his rival, let alone engage in a debate.
He would not deign to acknowledge the existence of his rival, let alone engage in a debate.
