Deserved
/dɪˈzɜːvd/
Definitions
To have earned something because of one's actions or qualities.
/dɪˈzɜːvd/
To be worthy of or entitled to something.
After all his hard work, he deserved a vacation.
💡 Simply: Like when you get a sticker for being good, 'deserved' is when you've done something and earned something good as a result. For example, if you study hard, you *deserve* to get good grades!
👶 For kids: When you do something good or work hard, and you get something nice like a treat or a prize, that's what 'deserved' means.
More Examples
The employees deserved a bonus for their contributions.
She deserved the promotion, having consistently exceeded expectations.
The film deserved all the critical acclaim it received.
How It's Used
"The team deserved the victory after playing so well."
"The defendant deserved the sentence imposed by the judge."
From Middle English *deserven*, from Old French *deservir*, from *des-*, expressing reversal or removal, + *servir* 'to serve'.
Used consistently throughout history to express a sense of fairness and earned outcomes. Found in legal texts, literature, and everyday conversation.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'serve' - if you served well, you DESERVE a reward.