What is deserve? Pronunciation and usage in English

deserve means . Learn how to pronounce and use deserve through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of deserve

deserveverb

/dɪˈzəːv/
Definition & pronunciation of deserve

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "deserve" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: "Deserve" has three syllables:

  • des (like the letter "d")
  • erve (rhymes with "serve")

2. Phonetics (A more precise guide):

  • des: /dɪs/ (The 'i' is a short "i" sound, as in "bit")
  • erve: /ɜrV/ (The 'e' in 'erve' is a short, “er” sound, like in “bird”. The 'v' is pronounced as a ‘v’.)

3. Putting it together: /dɪsˈɜrV/

4. Tips for pronunciation:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable ("erve"). This is what makes it sound right.
  • "Erve" sound: The key is getting that "er" sound right. Don’t say "airve." Think of the sound in "bird."
  • Don't over-emphasize the "e": Many people exaggerate the 'e' sound in "erve". Keep it relatively quiet and soft.

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/deserve/ (This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.)
  • Google Translate: Type "deserve" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker and just want to make sure you're saying it perfectly?
  • Are you learning English as a second language?

Usage and examples with the word deserve in English

Let's break down how to use the word "deserve" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances, so understanding those is key.

1. Basic Meaning: To Earn or Be Entitled To

At its core, "deserve" means to be worthy of something, typically something positive – a reward, praise, or benefit. It implies that someone has earned that thing through their actions or qualities.

  • Example: "She deserves a promotion for all her hard work." (She's earned it because she's worked hard.)
  • Example: "He deserves a medal for his bravery." (His bravery warrants the medal.)
  • Example: "You deserve to be happy!" (You have qualities that make you worthy of happiness.)

2. Expressing Justice or Fairness

"Deserve" can also be used in situations where you believe someone is getting what they have because they’ve done something wrong, and it’s a matter of justice. This is a more critical and often judgmental use.

  • Example: "He deserves to be punished for his crimes." (He’s being held accountable for his wrongdoing.)
  • Example: "They deserve whatever happens to them." (This is a harsh, often cynical expression suggesting they brought it on themselves.)

3. Expressing Feelings (Often with "I think/feel")

You often use "deserve" with "I think" or "I feel" to express your personal opinion about what someone merits.

  • Example: "I think he deserves an apology." (My opinion is that he deserves an apology.)
  • Example: "I feel she deserves to be recognized for her talent." (I believe she’s earned recognition.)

4. Formal Use (Less Common): To Be Fit or Qualified

In more formal contexts, "deserve" can be used to mean having the necessary qualities or qualifications. This is less frequent in everyday conversation.

  • Example: "The candidate deserves the position due to their extensive experience." (They are qualified for the position.)

Key Phrases & Structures

  • "Deserve to..." – Used for things you receive or experience. "He deserves to win." "She deserves a vacation."
  • "Deserve(s) something" – Referring to a specific reward or benefit. "She deserves that raise." "They deserve praise."
  • "Deserve(s) to be..." - Used for states of being or consequences. "He deserves to be respected." "They deserve to be happy.”

Important Considerations & Nuances

  • Subjectivity: "Deserve" is often subjective. What one person considers deserved, another may not.
  • Blame & Responsibility: Be careful when using "deserve" in the context of punishment. It can easily sound judgmental.
  • "Don't deserve": This is a common phrase meaning someone doesn’t earn something, or is not deserving of it. "He doesn't deserve our sympathy."

Let’s practice! Can you give me a sentence using "deserve" in a different way than the examples above?

Synonyms for the word deserve

Idioms of the word deserve

somebody deserves a medal
(informal)used to say that you admire somebody because they have done something difficult or unpleasant
  • She deserves a medal for teaching those 5-year-olds all day!
  • You really deserve a medal!
get what you deserve | deserve all/everything you get | deserve what's coming (to you)
(informal)used to say that you think somebody has earned the bad things that happen to them
  • He did wrong, and he got what he deserved.
  • Let's just say they deserve what's coming to them.
one good turn deserves another
(saying)you should help somebody who has helped you

    Practice with vocabulary deserve

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. After years of dedication, the research team finally felt they truly ______ the prestigious award.
    2. His disrespectful attitude towards colleagues certainly did not ______ a promotion.
    3. The complex problem will ______ a multi-faceted approach to find a sustainable solution.
    4. All employees are ______ to equal opportunities, regardless of their background.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. After all the effort you put into this presentation, you certainly ______ some recognition. a) expect b) deserve c) are worthy of d) demand

    2. The company's unethical practices ______ severe public criticism. a) warrant b) anticipate c) deserve d) merit

    3. Given her track record of exceptional performance, she clearly ______ a leadership role. a) needs b) strives for c) deserves d) is due

    4. Before starting the project, we need to ______ clear objectives and allocate resources. a) establish b) obtain c) receive d) assume

    5. Participation in the advanced seminar is limited to students who ______ specific prerequisites. a) possess b) qualify for c) are entitled to d) fulfill

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Her consistent hard work should lead to a promotion. Rewrite using "deserve":

    2. Such negligent behavior warrants severe penalties. Rewrite using "deserve":

    3. The success of this project depends on careful planning. Rewrite without "deserve":

    Answer:

    Exercise 1:

    1. deserve
    2. deserve
    3. require
    4. entitled

    Exercise 2:

    1. b) deserve, c) are worthy of
    2. a) warrant, c) deserve, d) merit
    3. c) deserves, d) is due
    4. a) establish
    5. a) possess, b) qualify for, d) fulfill

    Exercise 3:

    1. She deserves a promotion for her consistent hard work.
    2. Such negligent behavior deserves severe penalties.
    3. The success of this project necessitates careful planning.

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