Deigning: meaning, definitions and examples

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deigning

 

[ deɪnɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

social interaction

Deigning refers to the act of doing something that one considers to be beneath one's dignity or status. This term is often used to describe a person who condescends to offer help or engage with someone who is perceived as inferior in some way. The action can imply a sense of superiority and may be accompanied by a patronizing attitude. Typically, it is associated with individuals in positions of power or high status who choose to engage in a manner that suggests it is a favor.

Synonyms

condescend, debase, lower oneself, stoop

Examples of usage

  • She deigned to help the novice with her work.
  • The CEO deigned to speak to the interns during the meeting.
  • He finally deigned to acknowledge her contribution.
  • Despite his wealth, he rarely deigned to attend charity events.

Translations

Translations of the word "deigning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 condescendendo

🇮🇳 उदात्त होना

🇩🇪 herablassend

🇮🇩 menganggap rendah

🇺🇦 сходити з висоти

🇵🇱 zstępować

🇯🇵 見下す

🇫🇷 condescendre

🇪🇸 despreciar

🇹🇷 alçakgönüllülük göstermek

🇰🇷 무시하다

🇸🇦 يتعالى

🇨🇿 shlížet shora

🇸🇰 pohŕdať

🇨🇳 俯视

🇸🇮 pohledem z višine

🇮🇸 lækka sig

🇰🇿 жоғарыдан қарау

🇬🇪 მაღლიდან ყურება

🇦🇿 yüksəklikdən baxmaq

🇲🇽 despreciar

Word origin

The word 'deign' originates from the Middle English 'deignen', which is derived from the Old French 'daigner', meaning 'to consent, be willing'. This, in turn, comes from the Latin 'dignari', which is related to 'dignus', meaning 'worthy'. The history of the term reflects a class-based hierarchy where one’s status defines their willingness to engage with others perceived as lower in rank. Over centuries, the usage of 'deign' has maintained its connotation of superiority and reluctance, further solidifying its association with social hierarchy and condescension. By the 15th century, deigning had come to signify not merely the act of engaging but a reluctant acknowledgment of another's presence or efforts that the higher-status individual perceives as beneath them, retaining that air of superiority.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,768, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.