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Deserving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deserving

[dɪˈzɜːvɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

worthiness of reward or punishment

Worthy of being treated in a particular way, typically in a positive sense. Deserving can refer to someone who has earned or is entitled to something through their actions or qualities.

Synonyms

entitled, meritorious, worthy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deserving

Use this word when indicating someone who has earned or is worthy of a reward or recognition. It generally has a positive connotation.

  • She is deserving of the award for her hard work and dedication.
  • His actions were deserving of praise.
worthy

This word describes someone or something deserving recognition, respect, or reward. It is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • He is a worthy candidate for the job.
  • The charity is a worthy cause to support.
meritorious

This word is appropriate for formal contexts, referring to something or someone deserving of recognition or reward due to significant achievements or good qualities.

  • Her meritorious service earned her a medal of honor.
  • The student received a scholarship for his meritorious academic performance.
entitled

This word is often used when someone believes they deserve something, whether or not they actually do. It can have a negative connotation when referring to someone who expects privileges without earning them.

  • He felt entitled to special treatment because of his status.
  • She acted as if she were entitled to everyone's attention.

Examples of usage

  • He is a deserving candidate for the award.
  • She worked hard and is deserving of recognition.
Context #2 | Adjective

needing or worthy of aid or assistance

Needing help or support, typically in a compassionate sense. Deserving can refer to someone who is in a difficult situation and deserves assistance or empathy.

Synonyms

deserving of help, needy, worthy of assistance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deserving

This word is typically used to describe someone who has earned something through their actions or qualities. It can apply to a variety of situations where recognition, reward, or help is merited.

  • She is a deserving candidate for the award due to her hard work.
  • The charity supports deserving students who excel academically.
needy

This term often describes someone who requires assistance due to a lack of resources. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying a prolonged or excessive need.

  • The organization provides food and shelter to needy families.
  • Needy students can apply for financial aid from the school.
deserving of help

This phrase is used specifically to indicate that someone is worthy of receiving assistance, usually due to their situation or actions. It's more focused on the context of needing help.

  • The family is deserving of help after losing their home in the fire.
  • Volunteers should prioritize those who are most deserving of help during the crisis.
worthy of assistance

This phrase is used to emphasize that someone merits help based on their circumstances or actions. It's similar to 'deserving of help' but a bit more formal.

  • The injured veterans are considered worthy of assistance because of their service.
  • Donations are directed towards those deemed worthy of assistance by the committee.

Examples of usage

  • The deserving families received donations from the community.
  • They are a deserving cause for our charity.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research suggests that people's feelings of deservingness can affect their motivation and self-esteem.
  • Those who feel they deserve success are more likely to set ambitious goals and achieve them.

Culture

  • In many cultures, the concept of deserving often relates to moral behavior – good deeds lead to rewards.
  • Community values may influence perceptions of who is considered deserving, shaping social interactions.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often grapple with themes of deservingness, leading to moral lessons about justice and fairness.
  • Classic tales like 'Cinderella' portray the protagonist as deserving of better fortune due to her goodness.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate what it means to be deserving, often linking it to moral responsibility and ethical behavior.
  • Utilitarianism suggests that actions leading to the greatest good can define who is worthy of benefit.

Origin of 'deserving'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old French 'deservir', meaning to serve or merit.
  • It can be traced further back to the Latin word 'deservire', where 'de-' means 'from' and 'servire' means 'to serve'.

The word 'deserving' originated from the Middle English 'deserven', which comes from the Old French 'deservir', meaning 'be worthy of, earn, deserve'. The concept of deserving has been a fundamental aspect of human society, reflecting the values and principles of fairness, justice, and reward.

See also: deserve, deserved, deservedly, deservingness, undeserved, undeservedly, undeserving.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,218 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.