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verb

begnügen

content oneself

Definition & meaning

The verb sich begnügen means to be satisfied or content with something, especially when it is less than what was originally desired or expected. It translates to "to content oneself with" or "to make do with." It implies a level of modesty or a conscious decision to accept a specific situation or amount without asking for more.

The verb is almost exclusively used reflexively (sich begnügen) and is typically followed by the preposition mit (with) and the dative case.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

  • Verb type: Reflexive verb (sich begnügen).
  • Principal parts: begnügt sich, begnügte sich, hat sich begnügt.
  • Prepositional object: mit + Dative (e.g., Ich begnüge mich mit einem Apfel - I content myself with an apple).

Word origin: The word is derived from the Middle High German benüegen, which is closely related to the adjective genug (enough). The prefix be- is used here to transform the root idea of "sufficiency" into a directed, reflexive action of accepting that sufficiency.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • sich zufriedengeben : To be satisfied with a result or situation.
  • sich bescheiden : To show modesty and accept a smaller portion or lower status.
  • auskommen : To manage or get by with what is available.

Antonyms:

  • fordern : To demand or claim something.
  • verlangen : To request or desire something strongly.
  • beanspruchen : To lay claim to or make use of something extensively.

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Examples

Früher begnügten wir uns mit einfachen Wanderungen.verb

In the past, we contented ourselves with simple hikes.

Könnten Sie sich mit einem Kompromiss begnügen?verb

Could you content yourself with a compromise?

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