Deserve
/dɪˈzɜːrv/
Definitions
To be worthy of, to merit, or to be entitled to a reward, punishment, or outcome, whether good or bad.
/dɪˈzɜːrv/
To be worthy of or entitled to something.
After all your hard work, you deserve a vacation.
💡 Simply: It's like when you do something good (or bad!), and because of that, you should get something in return. Like, if you study hard, you deserve a good grade, and if you break a rule, you deserve a consequence.
👶 For kids: To deserve means that you should get something good (or bad!) because of what you did.
More Examples
He deserves a medal for his bravery.
The company deserves criticism for its poor customer service.
The team deserved to win, but they didn't play well.
How It's Used
"The defendant deserves a fair trial."
"She deserves the promotion for her hard work."
Idioms & expressions
deserve credit
To be recognized or praised for a positive action or quality.
"The team deserves credit for their innovative approach."
deserve a break
To be entitled to a period of rest or respite.
"After working so hard all week, I think I deserve a break."
From Middle English *deserven*, from Old French *deservir* (“to merit, earn, deserve”), from Latin *deservire* (“to serve well, deserve”), from *de-* + *servire* (“to serve”).
The word 'deserve' has been used in English since the 13th century, initially meaning 'to earn' or 'to merit'. Its usage has remained consistent, often referring to entitlement based on actions or qualities.
Memory tip
Think of 'serve' - if you serve well (work hard, behave properly), you *de-serve* a reward. De = down from, meaning 'down from serving'
Word Origin
"to serve"