Langimage
English

deserving

|de-serv-ing|

B2

🇺🇸

/dɪˈzɜrvɪŋ/

🇬🇧

/dɪˈzɜːvɪŋ/

(deserve)

worthy of reward

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNounAdjectiveAdjectiveAdjectiveAdverb
deservedeservesdeserveddeserveddeservingdeservednessdeservingnessundeserveddeserveddeservingdeservedly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'deserving' originates from the Old French word 'deservir', where 'de-' meant 'completely' and 'servir' meant 'to serve'.

Historical Evolution

'deservir' transformed into the Middle English word 'deserven', and eventually became the modern English word 'deserve'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to serve completely', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'being worthy of reward or punishment'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

worthy of being treated in a particular way, typically of reward or punishment.

She is deserving of praise for her hard work.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35