deem

verb

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."

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 Both had been deemed fit to fly, having passed health checks and returned negative tests for alcohol, the report said. Jennifer Hassan, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2024 While Cook’s shot was released before the game clock’s one-third of a second expired, the officials deemed the shot was not released in time and Lipan secured a 40-39 overtime win at the Alamodome on Friday to advance to Saturday’s state championship. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024 None appeared to be criminal in nature, but some could be deemed inappropriate. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Also taking the stage — and perhaps the person to get grilled the most — is Trevor, who did not get engaged but fans deemed to be the better choice for Chelsea. William Earl, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024 Her search led to the discovery of the Gilgo bodies, but Suffolk authorities have never deemed her death a homicide or considered her part of the investigation. Corey Kilgannon, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 But surgery ultimately was deemed to be the best course. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 Gilbert did not share the universal fixation with Gauff’s forehand, deemed to be her one weak spot. Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2024 Steel, whose district is deemed a swing seat by election forecasters, may face a costly and precarious battle post-primary. Hanna Kang, Orange County Register, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of deem was before the 12th century

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Dictionary Entries Near deem

Cite this Entry

“Deem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deem. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

deem

verb
: to have an opinion : believe, suppose
deemed it wise to go slow

More from Merriam-Webster on deem

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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