Deem
/diːm/
verbB2
Definition
To deem something means to decide or consider it as having a certain quality or status. It is often used when someone gives an opinion or makes a judgment about a situation, person, or thing.
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See It in Action
To judge or consider something in a particular way
- •The committee deemed the proposal acceptable.
- •She deemed it necessary to speak with the manager.
- •The event was deemed a success by all attendees.
To officially decide or declare
- •The building was deemed unsafe by the inspectors.
- •The law deems smoking illegal in public places.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'deem' like 'think,' but more formal and with a decision or judgment involved.
- ✓Picture a judge in a courtroom deciding if someone is guilty or innocent after listening carefully.
- ✓It's the feeling when you carefully decide if something is good or bad, right or wrong.
- ✓Sounds like 'dream' → Imagine dreaming about a decision and then deciding based on that thought.
- ✓In stories, kings or leaders often 'deem' someone worthy or unworthy based on their actions.
- ✓NOT like 'guess' (which is quick and uncertain); 'deem' is a more serious and thoughtful judgment.
- ✓NOT like 'say' (just speaking); 'deem' involves thinking and deciding internally before expressing.
- ✓NOT like 'assume' (without proof); 'deem' usually follows some thought or evidence.
Try Other Words
- •Consider: to think carefully about something (Use when you want to express careful thought but less formal)
- •Judge: to form an opinion about something (Use when emphasizing evaluation or decision)
- •Regard: to think of something in a particular way (Use when focusing on opinion or respect)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix) root word 'deem'
- •Etymology: From Old English 'dēman,' meaning to judge or decide
- •Historical development: Used in English since early medieval times with the meaning of judging or deciding
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in formal writing or speech to express judgment or opinion
Reflect & Connect
•How does the word 'deem' change the tone of a sentence compared to using 'think' or 'consider'?
•Can you think of a situation where you would need to 'deem' something important? How would you explain your decision?
Fill in the blanks
1.The manager deemed the project ___ successful after reviewing all the results.
2.The law deems smoking ___ in many public places to protect health.
3.We should not ___ someone guilty without clear evidence.
4.The teacher deemed it ___ to give extra homework before the exam.
5.The committee will ___ the proposal ___ after careful discussion.
6.When you deem something important, you usually ___ it carefully first.
7.The building was deemed ___ after the safety inspection showed problems.