deign

/deɪn/ (bre, ipa) · /deɪn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdān/ (ame, mw)

deign — verb

  • deignpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • deignshe / she / it
  • deignedpast simple
  • deigning-ing form

1. to lower yourself to do something, especially while making it clear that you fee

1.動詞不及物C2
釋義

to lower yourself to do something, especially while making it clear that you feel above it

例句

The editor would not deign to answer Esme's second email.

pattern: deign to + verb

After the complaint went public, the airline finally deigned to apologize.

often used after delay or pressure

同義詞
  • condescend

    Often focuses on a patronizing attitude toward other people, while 'deign' stresses acting as if the task is beneath you.

  • stoop

    Emphasizes lowering yourself to something shameful or undignified, not just reluctant superiority.

  • bother

    Much more neutral and informal; it can simply mean making the effort, without the arrogant tone of 'deign'.

反義詞
  • volunteer

    Suggests offering to do something willingly rather than acting as though it is beneath you.

文法句型

deign to + verb

用法筆記

Almost always followed by a 'to'-infinitive. It is mainly used in formal writing or in ironic criticism when the speaker wants to stress that someone acted as if the task was beneath them.

常見錯誤

❌She deigned me a reply.
✅She deigned to reply to me.
💡In modern English, 'deign' is usually followed by 'to' and a verb, not a direct object.
❌He deigned helping with the boxes.
✅He deigned to help with the boxes.
💡Use a 'to'-infinitive after 'deign', not an -ing form.
❌The teacher deigned to explain the homework.
✅The teacher agreed to explain the homework.
💡'Deign' sounds judgmental and suggests superiority, so it does not fit a neutral helpful action.