B2verb 2K

Deserve

🇬🇧 UK /["/dɪˈzɜːv/","/dɪˈzɜːvz/","/dɪˈzɜːvd/","/dɪˈzɜːvɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/dɪˈzɜːrv/","/dɪˈzɜːrvz/","/dɪˈzɜːrvd/","/dɪˈzɜːrvɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Deserve

to do something or show qualities that mean a particular reaction, reward or punishment is appropriate

In simple words: To be entitled to something good because of what you have done.

Deserve in a sentence

• She worked hard all year, so she really deserves a vacation.
• After everything he has done, I think he deserves a second chance.
• No one deserves to be treated that way.
• We believe that every child deserves an education.
• He deserves recognition for his contributions to the team.

How to use Deserve

Use 'deserve' when talking about fairness or earning something. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but can sound too strong in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

deserve + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'de-server' — imagine a waiter who brings you the food you earn.

Related words

Collocations with Deserve

• certainly
• definitely
• really
• for
• deserve better
• well deserved

Synonyms for Deserve

• merit
• earn
• be entitled to
• be worthy of
• rate

Opposites of Deserve

• unworthy
• meritless
• undeserving

Common mistakes with Deserve

• 'Deserve' is often incorrectly used with abstract concepts instead of concrete rewards.
• 'Deserve' is sometimes confused with 'merit' and used interchangeably when they don't mean the same.
• Learners might use it incorrectly by saying 'I deserve to be happy' when referring to general feelings.

Frequently asked questions about Deserve

What does Deserve mean?

To be entitled to something good because of what you have done.

What is the definition of Deserve?

to do something or show qualities that mean a particular reaction, reward or punishment is appropriate

How do you use Deserve in a sentence?

She worked hard all year, so she really deserves a vacation.

Can you give another example of Deserve?

After everything he has done, I think he deserves a second chance.

What are synonyms for Deserve?

Common alternatives include merit, earn, be entitled to, be worthy of, rate.

What is the opposite of Deserve?

Opposite meanings include unworthy, meritless, undeserving.

What words go with Deserve?

It commonly pairs with certainly, definitely, really, for, deserve better, well deserved.

What are common mistakes when using Deserve?

'Deserve' is often incorrectly used with abstract concepts instead of concrete rewards. 'Deserve' is sometimes confused with 'merit' and used interchangeably when they don't mean the same. Learners might use it incorrectly by saying 'I deserve to be happy' when referring to general feelings.

How do you pronounce Deserve?

US: /["/dɪˈzɜːrv/","/dɪˈzɜːrvz/","/dɪˈzɜːrvd/","/dɪˈzɜːrvɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈzɜːv/","/dɪˈzɜːvz/","/dɪˈzɜːvd/","/dɪˈzɜːvɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Deserve?

Use 'deserve' when talking about fairness or earning something. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but can sound too strong in casual conversation.

What CEFR level is Deserve?

"Deserve" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.