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deem

verb
\ ˈdēm How to pronounce deem (audio) \
deemed; deeming; deems

Definition of deem

transitive verb

: to come to think or judge : consider deemed it wise to go slow those whom she deemed worthy a movie deemed appropriate for all ages

intransitive verb

: to have an opinion : believe
Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about deem

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Synonyms for deem

Synonyms

allow [chiefly Southern & Midland], believe, conceive, consider, esteem, feel, figure, guess, hold, imagine, judge, reckon [chiefly dialect], suppose, think

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Did You Know?

In the Middle Ages, "demen" was a fateful word. Closely related to "doom," this precursor of deem meant "to act as a judge" or "to sentence, condemn, or decree." These meanings passed to "deem" itself, but we haven't used "deem" to mean "legally condemn" since the early 17th century. Though "deem" is still frequently used in law contexts, today it means "judge" only in a broader sense of "to decide (something specified) regarding," as in "the act was deemed unlawful" or "the defendant is deemed to have agreed to the contract." Outside of the law, "deem" usually means simply "to consider." Some usage commentators consider "deem" pretentious, but its use is well established in both literary and journalistic contexts. We deem it perfectly acceptable.

Examples of deem in a Sentence

The principal will take whatever action she deems appropriate in this case. I deem it fitting that we mark this solemn occasion with a day of prayer and thanksgiving.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Those applicants deemed disadvantaged were evaluated by a separate committee with different standards. — New York Times, "Where Does Affirmative Action Leave Asian-Americans?," 30 Aug. 2019 Cory Reeves and officials are taking the action deemed appropriate, said Ann Stefanek, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Air Force. — Elise Schmelzer, The Denver Post, "Colorado Air Force master sergeant remains in military after investigation into white nationalist ties," 27 Aug. 2019 Public Health England deems e-cigarettes 95 percent safer than traditional cigarettes. — Michael Siegel, National Review, "CDC’s Bias Against E-Cigarettes Is Putting Kids’ Lives at Risk," 27 Aug. 2019 In each incident recounted in the report this week, investigators deemed the person and accusation to be credible. — Zach Murdock, courant.com, "New report names 2 more Loomis Chaffee School staff, including longtime athletics trainer, to list of those accused of sexual misconduct," 24 Aug. 2019 Families coming to America without papers may be detained for as long as the government deems necessary. — S.m. | Des Moines, The Economist, "Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies face court challenges," 22 Aug. 2019 Ricci's 25-year-old husband, Arlynton, was shot and killed last December in a crime deemed a homicide, according to a local police report. — Camilo Montoya-galvez, CBS News, ""I fear for our lives": Asylum seekers forced to wait in Mexico face danger and desperation," 13 Aug. 2019 In the case of KZ Okpala, the second-round draft pick who is under NBA contract, he can be assigned as often as the Heat deem fit. — Ira Winderman, sun-sentinel.com, "ASK IRA: Is One Last Dance 2.0 on the way?," 10 Aug. 2019 Center referee Silviu Petrescu deemed that Maikel van der Werff pushed Zardes over in the box but the call stood despite Cincinnati protestations. — Pat Brennan, Cincinnati.com, "FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew SC end first MLS "Hell is Real" derby in 2-2 draw," 10 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deem.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of deem

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

History and Etymology for deem

Middle English demen, from Old English dēman; akin to Old High German tuomen to judge, Old English dōm doom

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More Definitions for deem

deem

verb
How to pronounce deem (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of deem

formal : to think of (someone or something) in a particular way

See the full definition for deem in the English Language Learners Dictionary

deem

verb
\ ˈdēm How to pronounce deem (audio) \
deemed; deeming

Kids Definition of deem

: to have as an opinion She deemed it wise to wait.

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More from Merriam-Webster on deem

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with deem

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for deem

Spanish Central: Translation of deem

Nglish: Translation of deem for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of deem for Arabic Speakers

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