# deserve

Pronunciation: say "di-ZURV" US /dɪˈzɝv/, UK /dɪˈzɜːv/

## Verb

1. To be entitled to something as a result of past actions, or to be worthy of having it.
   - Simple: To be worthy of something good or bad because of what you have done or what you are like.
   - _Years of dedication mean she deserves the promotion._
   - _Workers who take such risks deserve fair compensation._

## Verb

2. To earn or win something through one's own actions. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To gain or win something by your own effort.
3. To reward someone, giving something in return for service rendered. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To reward someone, or give them something in return for their service.
4. To serve, treat, or be of benefit to someone. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To help, treat, or be of use to someone.

## Origin

The word goes back to Latin 'dēserviō', built from 'dē-' and 'serviō' ('to serve'); Old French took it over as 'deservir', and English borrowed that as Middle English 'deserven'.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/deserve (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).