Currently lowering oneself to do something, often in a reluctant or condescending way.
Present participle of 'deign', from Old French 'deignier' and Latin 'dignāre'. The '-ing' form emphasizes an ongoing or habitual attitude of reluctant condescension.
The phrase 'deigning to acknowledge' somebody perfectly captures that moment when a powerful person finally recognizes a lesser-known person's existence—it's all about unequal power relationships.
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