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Deserved: meaning, definitions and examples

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deserved

 

[dɪˈzɜːvd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a sentence

Having earned or merited something; justified or appropriate.

Synonyms

appropriate, earned, justified, merited.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deserved

This is used when someone receives something as a result of their actions, usually because they have worked hard or done something good.

  • She deserved the award for her outstanding performance.
  • After years of effort, he deserved the promotion.
earned

This is often used in the context of gaining something through hard work, effort, or skill.

  • She earned a reputation as a reliable worker.
  • He earned a high salary due to his skills and dedication.
merited

This is used less frequently and has a formal tone, often implying that something is deserved because of particular qualities or actions.

  • His bravery merited a medal of honor.
  • The project’s success merited recognition from the industry.
justified

This is suitable for situations where an action or decision is shown to be right or reasonable, sometimes in defense of something.

  • Her anger was justified after she was treated unfairly.
  • The decision was justified by the need to improve safety standards.
appropriate

Use this when something is suitable or fitting for a particular situation, often regarding behavior or responses.

  • Wearing a suit is appropriate for a job interview.
  • It was not appropriate to laugh during the serious meeting.

Examples of usage

  • She received the promotion because of her deserved hard work.
  • The punishment was deserved for his actions.
Context #2 | Verb

in a sentence

To have a right to something because of one's actions or qualities.

Synonyms

be entitled to, be worthy of, earn, merit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deserved

Used when acknowledging that someone has rightfully received something due to their actions or qualities.

  • She deserved the award for her dedication.
  • After years of hard work, the vacation was well deserved.
merit

Often used in more formal contexts or evaluations to denote that someone or something is deserving of recognition or reward based on qualities or achievements.

  • This proposal merits serious consideration.
  • Her actions merit our gratitude.
be worthy of

Used when indicating that someone or something has the qualities or abilities that merit a particular thing, often conveying a sense of value or honor.

  • His bravery makes him worthy of the highest praise.
  • This cause is worthy of our support.
be entitled to

Refers to having a legal or official right to something, often used in formal contexts.

  • Employees are entitled to a lunch break.
  • You are entitled to a full refund if the product is defective.

Examples of usage

  • He deserved the award for his outstanding performance.
  • She deserved recognition for her dedication.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin root 'deservire,' meaning to serve well.
  • It entered the English language during the late 14th century, related to fairness in rewarding actions.
  • The prefix 'de-' suggests a down or away motion, while 'servire' is about serving or being of use.

Philosophy

  • Deserving is often discussed in the context of ethics, questioning what people are entitled to based on their actions.
  • Philosophers like Aristotle argued that justice is about giving individuals what they deserve, based on virtue.
  • The idea of deserved outcomes can lead to debates about fairness in society.

Literature

  • In many stories, characters face challenges that test their character, and their rewards at the end often reflect what they deserve.
  • Classic tales like 'Cinderella' demonstrate the principle of deserving good things after enduring hardship.
  • Literature frequently explores themes of karma, where actions dictate what one deserves in life.

Psychology

  • People have a tendency to believe in a just world, where everyone gets what they deserve, influencing their perceptions of fairness.
  • This belief can affect how individuals react to the success or failure of others, often leading to blame or praise based on perceived deservingness.
  • Reward systems in psychology emphasize the importance of recognizing efforts and achievements, reinforcing the idea of deserved outcomes.

Pop Culture

  • Many reality TV shows incorporate the concept of deserving through competitions, where participants strive for rewards they feel they have earned.
  • Songs often explore themes of reward and deserve, reflecting people's emotions about relationships and personal struggles.
  • Famous quotes, like 'good things come to those who wait,' reflect society’s belief about what people deserve based on their patience and hard work.

Translations

Translations of the word "deserved" in other languages:

🇵🇹 merecido

🇮🇳 अर्जित

🇩🇪 verdient

🇮🇩 layak

🇺🇦 заслужений

🇵🇱 zasłużony

🇯🇵 当然の

🇫🇷 mérité

🇪🇸 merecido

🇹🇷 hak edilmiş

🇰🇷 당연한

🇸🇦 مستحق

🇨🇿 zasloužený

🇸🇰 zaslúžený

🇨🇳 应得的

🇸🇮 zaslužen

🇮🇸 verðskuldaður

🇰🇿 лайықты

🇬🇪 დამსახურებული

🇦🇿 layiq

🇲🇽 merecido

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,236 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.