deem

American  

[deem] / dim /

verb (used without object)

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

   He did not deem lightly of the issue.

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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 British  

/ diːm /

verb

1. (tr) to judge or consider

   I do not deem him worthy of this honour

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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.

Example Sentences

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

What companies deem a material amount is a matter of judgment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

A significant training gap exists; 38% of workers deem AI training important, but only 16% receive it from employers, potentially hindering productivity.

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

To deem us simply enemies is to lose the true flavor of our relationship.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Related Words

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