deem

[deem]

verb (used without object)

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

   He did not deem lightly of the issue.

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

/ diːm /

verb

1. (tr) to judge or consider

   I do not deem him worthy of this honour

Word History and Origins

Origin of deem¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of deem¹

Old English dēman; related to Old High German tuomen to judge, Gothic domjan; see _doom

Example Sentences

The trees in question on Glenrose Avenue were deemed unsafe with visible signs of dead limbs and distress, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Home Office said he had been deemed "non-conducive to the public good".

From BBC

Employees that are not deemed to be essential will be forced to stay home.

From BBC

The social housing property in Halifax was deemed ready for the family despite having bare and uneven floorboards in the bedrooms and living areas.

From BBC

Generally, in a shutdown, essential workers continue as normal - some of them without pay for the time being - but government employees deemed non-essential are temporarily put on unpaid leave.

From BBC

Related Words

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