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Understanding "Deserve" in English

This document is an entry from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English defining the verb "deserve". It provides the origin of the word and lists its different meanings and usages. It can mean to have earned something through one's actions, being worthy of consideration or recognition, or expressing admiration for how someone handled a situation. Examples are given for each meaning like deserving a reward, chance, or praise. Adverbs and collocations that commonly accompany the word are also listed.

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265 views2 pages

Understanding "Deserve" in English

This document is an entry from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English defining the verb "deserve". It provides the origin of the word and lists its different meanings and usages. It can mean to have earned something through one's actions, being worthy of consideration or recognition, or expressing admiration for how someone handled a situation. Examples are given for each meaning like deserving a reward, chance, or praise. Adverbs and collocations that commonly accompany the word are also listed.

Uploaded by

skoobooks
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© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

deserve S3 W3 /dzv $ -rv/

verb [transitive]

Word origin Verb form 1 to have earned something by good or bad actions or behaviour: What have I done to deserve this? deserve to do something We didnt deserve to win. richly/fully/thoroughly etc deserve something the success he so richly deserves Im sorry for the kids. They deserve better (=deserve to be treated in a better way). deserve a rest/break/holiday etc I think we deserve a rest after all that hard work. Ledley deserves a place in the team. Paula deserves a special mention for all the help she has given us. I would never hit anyone, even if they deserved it. What has he done to deserve this punishment? deserve all/everything you get (=deserve any bad things that happen to you) He deserves all he gets for being so dishonest. People who are sent to prison for drunk-driving get what they deserve. 2 deserve consideration/attention etc if a suggestion, idea, or plan deserves consideration, attention etc, it is good enough to be considered, paid attention to etc SYN merit: This proposal deserves serious consideration. 3 somebody deserves a medal spoken used to say that you admire the way someone dealt with a situation or problem somebody deserves a medal for You deserve a medal for putting up with Ians constant demands.

COLLOCATIONS
NOUNS

deserve a rest/break/holiday etc Once the students have done their exams they deserve a break. deserve a chance Everybody deserves a second chance. deserve respect Our police officers deserve our respect. deserve credit/praise The team played really well and they deserve credit for it. deserve support This is a splendid proposal which deserves our support. deserve recognition (=public respect and thanks) The teaching profession deserves more recognition. deserve better (also deserve a better deal) (=deserve to be treated better or to be in a better situation) They treated him badly at work and I thought he deserved better. deserve a (special) mention (=used especially in speeches to mention someone's good work or actions) Richard deserves a special mention for all his

PEARSON EDUCATION LIMITED 2009

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

hard work on this project. deserve a place You need top grades to deserve a place at the best universities. deserve punishment If you commit a crime, you have deserved punishment.
ADVERBS

thoroughly/fully deserve something He didn't work so he thoroughly deserved his poor marks. richly deserve something (=greatly deserve something good that happens) Her success was richly deserved. well deserved The restaurant has a well deserved reputation for excellent fish.
PHRASES

get what you deserve (=experience something bad after you have behaved badly) I like films where the bad guys get what they deserve. deserve all/everything you get (=deserve any bad things that happen to you) She's behaved really stupidly and she deserves all she gets.

PEARSON EDUCATION LIMITED 2009

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