deem
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has deemedperfect 3rd person singular
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have deemedperfect
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is deemingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
has been deemingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
have been deemingperfect progressive
-
are deemingprogressive
-
am deemingprogressive 1st person singular
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deemssingular 3rd person
-
deemingparticiple
Past
-
had deemedperfect
-
had been deemingperfect progressive
-
were deemingprogressive plural
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was deemingprogressive singular
-
deemedsimple
-
deemedparticiple
Future
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.
Vocabulary lists containing deem
Vocabulary from the Introduction to "Reality is Broken" by Jane McGonigal
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The Emancipation Proclamation (1862)
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Beowulf vocabulary
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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.
Recent polling suggests that, ahead of Tuesday’s primary, incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has what pollsters deem a statistically insignificant lead in her bid for reelection as the city’s top executive.
From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026
The panel in Nicole's case partially upheld two complaints about her coach, but ultimately did not deem the coach to be a current safeguarding risk.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
Here’s why he ruled against Maddin: Gorsuch looked at that statute that protects workers when they are in conditions they deem dangerous.
From Slate • May 13, 2026
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
“I doubt that my life has been worth the danger you have endured, Horatio. Leave me now and hide until you deem yourself safe.”
From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
