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; doom

Example Sentences

Babies born in the United States have been deemed citizens under the Constitution and federal immigration law for 160 years.

From Los Angeles Times

But the investigation, which began in 2016, was closed in 2019 after the Crown Prosecution Service deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

From BBC

His lawyers contend they seek to correct a 160-year misunderstanding about the Constitution’s promise that “all persons born” in this country are deemed to be citizens.

From Los Angeles Times

India’s tiny state of Sikkim is a particular hot spot for glacial lakes, with at least 16 deemed by authorities to be of high risk of bursting.

From The Wall Street Journal

They read Wong Kim Ark and other sources as having incorporated British common-law doctrine deeming anyone born in the British Empire a subject of the crown.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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