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; doom

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.

Under the new text, the state media regulator would draw up a list of social media networks that are deemed harmful.

From BBC

When its forces seized the tanker in the Atlantic on January 7, the White House said the vessel was "deemed stateless after flying a false flag".

From Barron's

Mahmood's comments follow government plans, announced on Friday, to grant ministers new powers to dismiss chief constables deemed to be performing poorly.

From BBC

And on Friday, the government announced details of a licence scheme for police officers, and increased powers for ministers to intervene where police and fire chiefs are deemed to be failing.

From BBC

Under separate proposals announced on Friday, ministers will be granted new powers to dismiss chief constables and intervene in forces deemed to be failing.

From BBC

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