deem

American  

[deem] / dim /

verb (used without object)

1. to form or have an opinion; judge; think.

   He did not deem lightly of the issue.

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verb (used with object)

1. to hold as an opinion; think; regard as.

   He deemed it wise to refuse the offer.

   Synonyms:

   believe, hold, consider

deem British  

/ diːm /

verb

1. (tr) to judge or consider

   I do not deem him worthy of this honour

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Etymology

Origin of deem

First recorded before 900; Middle English demen, Old English dēman; cognate with Gothic dōmjan, Old High German tuomen; see doom

Explanation

To deem is a verb that means to view as or judge. Your parents or boss may deem something necessary that you don't, like coming home by midnight or working late. Deem comes from the Old English word, deman — meaning "act as a judge." If you deem something, you essentially become the judge of whether it has a characteristic. For example, if you deem your little sister's jokes to be too ridiculous to listen to, you will probably just walk away.

Example Sentences

“There is no distinctively Catholic objection to receiving any of the COVID-19 vaccines available,” said Michael Deem, assistant professor of bioethics and human genetics at the University of Pittsburgh.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 12, 2022

“We’ve been doing this for nine years, people. We’re like field dogs ourselves,” said Deem.

From Washington Times • Apr. 27, 2021

Mr Deem said he could not comment on the contents of a confidential report, but he accepted his involvement in the breaches "was wrong".

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2021

“It’s so you don’t get trapped inside your home,” said 7-year-old Parker Deem.

From Washington Post • Mar. 16, 2020

"He'd sleep easier if he had a man like you, I imagine. Or the valiant Allar Deem."

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• allow
• assume
• believe
• expect
• feel
• presume
• suppose
• suspect