deem

[ deem ]

verb (used without object)

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

   He did not deem lightly of the issue.

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

/ diːm /

verb

1. tr to judge or consider

   I do not deem him worthy of this honour

Word History and Origins

Origin of deem¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English demen, Old English dēman; cognate with Gothic dōmjan, Old High German tuomen; doom

Word History and Origins

Origin of deem¹

Old English dēman; related to Old High German tuomen to judge, Gothic domjan; see doom

Example Sentences

For something to be deemed a miracle it typically requires an act seen to be beyond what is possible in nature - such as through the sudden healing of a person deemed to be near-death.

From BBC

Homeless advocates, who have fought for decades to remove the stigma around people who lack a place to live, are bracing for a multi-pronged battle against policies they deem inhumane.

From Los Angeles Times

"Baby powder was supposed to be something deemed 'safe to use', even on a baby's bum."

From BBC

Up until recently, habituation -- a simple form of learning -- was deemed the exclusive domain of complex organisms with brains and nervous systems, such as worms, insects, birds, and mammals.

From Science Daily

Those who exceeded it were deemed to be just fine.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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