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.

Some candidates who submitted petitions by the March 4 deadline failed to qualify because some of their signatures were deemed invalid.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, they must send officers whose misconduct they deem severe to disciplinary panels, which occasionally lead to lighter penalties.

From Los Angeles Times

Those from countries to the west, however—especially from lands, such as the Netherlands, that were deemed “Germanic”—enjoyed certain freedoms.

From The Wall Street Journal

Treasury market because it remains the deepest and most liquid arena, and investors can sell their debt at prices they deem reasonable — that keeps rates in check.

From MarketWatch

An estimated $175 billion in collected tariffs, now deemed illegal, hangs in the balance.

From Barron's

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