# deserve

> English word · Verb · IPA /dɪˈzɜːv/ · frequency rank #2,529

## Definitions
1. To be entitled to, as a result of past actions; to be worthy to have.
2. To earn, win.
3. To reward, to give in return for service.
4. To serve; to treat; to benefit.

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

## Easily confused with
- **desire** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/deserve-vs-desire)
- **deserved** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/deserve-vs-deserved)
- **desert** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/desert-vs-deserve)
- **deceive** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/deceive-vs-deserve)
- **deserts** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/deserts-vs-deserve)
- **deserted** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/deserted-vs-deserve)
- **deserter** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/deserter-vs-deserve)

## Common misspellings (10)
`ddeserve`, `deesrve`, `deserev`, `deserrve`, `deservve`, `desevre`, `desreve`, `desserve`, `dseerve`, `edserve`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/deserve