deem

verb

ˈdēm 

deemed; deeming; deems

transitive verb

: to come to think or judge : consider

deemed it wise to go slow

those whom she deemed worthy

a movie deemed appropriate for all ages

intransitive verb

: to have an opinion : believe

Did you know?

Originally, deem meant "to legally condemn." The word is still frequently used in contexts pertaining to the law but with the general meaning "to judge" or "to decide after inquiry and deliberation," as in "The act was deemed unlawful" or "The defendant is deemed to have agreed to the contract." Outside of the law, deem usually means simply "to consider."

Synonyms

• allow [chiefly Southern & Midland]
• believe
• conceive
• consider
• esteem
• feel
• figure
• guess
• hold
• imagine
• judge
• reckon [chiefly dialect]
• suppose
• think

Examples of deem in a Sentence

The principal will take whatever action she deems appropriate in this case.

I deem it fitting that we mark this solemn occasion with a day of prayer and thanksgiving.

Recent Examples on the Web

One ongoing case is between the state and Chino Valley Unified, where the district’s parent-notification policy was initially deemed discriminatory against transgender students. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024

The Royals have options once Perez is deemed ready to return. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English demen, from Old English dēman; akin to Old High German tuomen to judge, Old English dōm doom

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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Kids Definition

deem

verb

ˈdēm 

: to have an opinion : believe, suppose

deemed it wise to go slow