Nelson-Denny Practice Test

What does it mean to 'deserve' something?

1. To earn it

2. To steal it

3. To beg for it

4. To wait for it

The correct answer is: To earn it

To 'deserve' something means to earn it, reflecting the idea that an individual's actions or qualities warrant a specific outcome, reward, or recognition. This understanding is rooted in the notion of moral or social justice, where one is given what they have worked towards or what is deemed fitting based on their behavior or efforts. In this context, deserving is not merely about receiving but implies that the individual has put in the necessary effort or exhibited the appropriate traits that justify the reward or recognition they receive. This concept is widely applicable in various situations, such as in academic achievements, professional recognition, or personal relationships, where the principle of merit often plays a crucial role. Other options suggest different relationships to obtaining something that do not align with the concept of earning. For instance, stealing carries a connotation of wrongful acquisition, begging implies a lack of earned entitlement, and waiting suggests passivity rather than active merit. Thus, the essence of deserving is intrinsically linked to the idea of merit and effort, making the choice of earning the most accurate understanding.