Definitions for deserve
dɪˈzɜrvde·serve

Princeton's WordNet(3.00 / 2 votes)Rate this definition:

1. deserve, merit(verb)

   be worthy or deserving

   "You deserve a promotion after all the hard work you have done"

Wiktionary(2.50 / 2 votes)Rate this definition:

1. deserve(Verb)

   To be entitled to, as a result of past actions; to be worthy to have.

   Etymology: From deservir, from deservire, from de- + servire.

2. deserve(Verb)

   To earn, win.

   Etymology: From deservir, from deservire, from de- + servire.

3. deserve(Verb)

   To reward, to give in return for service.

   Etymology: From deservir, from deservire, from de- + servire.

Webster Dictionary(5.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. Deserve(verb)

   to earn by service; to be worthy of (something due, either good or evil); to merit; to be entitled to; as, the laborer deserves his wages; a work of value deserves praise

   Etymology: [OF. deservir, desservir, to merit, L. deservire to serve zealously, be devoted to; de- + servire to serve. See Serve.]

2. Deserve(verb)

   to serve; to treat; to benefit

   Etymology: [OF. deservir, desservir, to merit, L. deservire to serve zealously, be devoted to; de- + servire to serve. See Serve.]

3. Deserve(verb)

   to be worthy of recompense; -- usually with ill or with well

   Etymology: [OF. deservir, desservir, to merit, L. deservire to serve zealously, be devoted to; de- + servire to serve. See Serve.]

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary(3.50 / 2 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Deserve

   de-zėrv′, v.t. to earn by service: to merit.—v.i. to be worthy of reward.—adj. Deserv′ing, worthy.—n. desert.—advs. Deserv′ingly, Deserv′edly, according to desert: justly. [Fr.,—L. deservīre—de, inten., servīre, to serve.]

British National Corpus

1. Written Corpus Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'deserve' in Written Corpus Frequency: #4748

2. Verbs Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'deserve' in Verbs Frequency: #557

Anagrams for deserve »

1. severed

How to pronounce deserve?

1. 

   Alex

   US English

   

   Daniel

   British

   

   Karen

   Australian

   

   Veena

   Indian

How to say deserve in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of deserve in Chaldean Numerology is: 3

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of deserve in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6

Examples of deserve in a Sentence

1. Ginny Burdick:

   The Republicans are denying their constituents the representation they deserve and shutting down our democratic institution, serving in the Legislature is a great honor. Walking out on the job is dishonorable and disrespectful. I am disappointed in The Republicans for taking this irresponsible action.

2. Michelle Manhart:

   I was just going over there to pick up the flag off the ground. I don’t know what their cause is, but I went to pick it up because it doesn’t deserve to be on the ground.

3. Nabeel Rajab:

   We raised extreme concern about the effects that isolated detention would have on Nabeel's health and we were ignored. Nabeel never suffered heart problems before. My husband is a human rights defender and does not deserve this treatment.

4. Kay Ivey:

   These allegations are deeply disturbing, i will hold judgment until we know the facts. The people of Alabama deserve to know the truth and will make their own decisions.

5. Voltaire:

   Verses which do not teach men new and moving truths do not deserve to be read.

Images & Illustrations of deserve

Popularity rank by frequency of use