Deigning

Deigning is the verb form of deign, meaning to think it appropriate or worthy to do something that one regards as beneath one’s dignity. It is most commonly used in expressions such as deign to do something, where the subject implies a willingness to lower oneself to perform a task that is perceived as beneath status, authority, or expectation. The present participle deigning describes the act of performing such a gesture.

Etymology and history: Deign comes from Old French deigner, itself from a Latin root related to dignus, meaning worthy. In English, deign has long carried connotations of aristocratic or royal prerogative, with the sense that a person of higher status is stooping to engage in a minor or ordinary action. The term has appeared in literary and formal registers for centuries and remains common in traditional prose and satire.

Usage and nuance: Deigning tends to carry a tone of condescension, whether neutral, critical, or humorous. It foregrounds a power dynamic, signaling that the speaker views the action as a concession rather than a routine courtesy. In modern usage, deign is often reserved for formal or literary contexts; more commonplace alternatives include condescend to or stoop to, depending on the intended emphasis.

Examples: The sovereign deigned to grant a rare audience. The official did not deign to reply to the questions. In satire, writers might note that a figure deigned to acknowledge an obscure petition.

Related terms: condescend, stoop, approve, dignify, dignity. See also condescension, dignity, and related discussions of social hierarchy in language.