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deserve

v.
US //dɪˈzɝv// UK //dɪzˈɜːv// de·serve
  1. 1 to be worthy of (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to be worthy of something because of how you have behaved or what you have done.

    to merit or be entitled to something as a result of past actions, character, or effort.

    Example

    After working so hard all year, you really deserve a long holiday.

    Example

    The legal team argued that their client did not deserve such a harsh sentence given the mitigating circumstances presented during the trial.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by a noun phrase or a 'to' infinitive.

    Teacher's tip

    Remind students that this word is neutral; you can deserve a 'promotion' (positive) or a 'punishment' (negative).
    Pitfall
    She deserves winning the prize.
    She deserves to win the prize.

    When followed by another verb, use the 'to' infinitive, not the '-ing' form.

Origin

From Middle English deserven, from Old French deservir, from Latin dēserviō, from dē- + serviō.

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