The meaning of DEIGN is to condescend reluctantly and with a strong sense of the affront to one's superiority that is involved : stoop. How to use deign in a sentence.

verb (used without object) to think it appropriate to or in accordance with one's dignity; condescend. He would not deign to discuss the matter with us.

This is to deign not to notice what is going on and to seek not to excuse a single one of one's actions.

1. (intr) to think it fit or worthy of oneself (to do something); condescend: he will not deign to speak to us. 2. (tr) archaic to vouchsafe: he deigned no reply.

Definition of deign verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If you get there on the stroke of nine, they deign to take your paperwork off you and tell you to come back in four hours ' time.

Oct 30, 2025 · deign (third-person singular simple present deigns, present participle deigning, simple past and past participle deigned) (intransitive) To condescend; to do despite a perceived affront to …

There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb deign, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Deign means to reluctantly agree to do something you consider beneath you. When threatened with the loss of her fortune, an heiress might deign to get a job, but she might look down her nose at the …

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 deign (dān), v.i. to think fit or in accordance with one's dignity; condescend: He would not deign to discuss the matter …