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

Pritzker, Polis and others like Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., have struck a defiant tone since Trump was elected president, promising to use all legal means at their disposal to protect their states against federal policies they deem harmful and unconstitutional.

From Salon

Which, to be clear, is a reason the Oscars remain so much fun, not to mention a valuable snapshot of what movies and performances academy voters deem worthy at a specific moment in time.

From Los Angeles Times

But more often, they need to meet right-wing listeners where they are to provide the counterpoint, even if doing so “platforms” figures they deem unworthy of their attention.

From Slate

Why did PolitiFact deem this statement to be mostly false?

From Slate

“I am trying to understand how possession of assaultive weapons and sawed-off shotgun, how does that deem this defendant such a danger to the public that the court should set a preventative detention and no bail?”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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