deem

American

[deem] / dim /

verb (used without object)

to form or have an opinion; judge; think.

He did not deem lightly of the issue.

verb (used with object)

to hold as an opinion; think; regard as.

He deemed it wise to refuse the offer.

Synonyms:

believe, hold, consider

deem British

/ diːm /

verb

(tr) to judge or consider

I do not deem him worthy of this honour

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

What’s more, it would provide either one or both of the Bezoses the ability to put the editorial kibosh on anything they deem unfit to print, while shoehorning their own interests into the publication.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

Big brands have suffered as consumers turn to cheaper store brands or premium goods they deem healthier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Overall, the latest analysis seems to suggest that there are significant gaps in access to AI tools and training, which many workers deem essential.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

If provinces deem that they're not "strategic" water reserves, they can take them off Ianigla's national inventory, meaning they will no longer have those environmental protections.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Something tells me that wondering is not an action Journey would deem appropriate for a rover.

From "A Rover's Story" by Jasmine Warga

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023