Deem
/diːm/
Definitions
To consider; to believe; to judge; to hold an opinion.
/diːm/
To consider or judge something in a particular way.
The jury deemed the evidence sufficient for a conviction.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're reading a story and you get to decide how a character feels about something. To deem means to think or judge something in a certain way, like, 'I deem this ice cream delicious!'. It's like making a judgment call.
👶 For kids: To think something is true or important. Like, 'I deem it important to eat my vegetables!'.
More Examples
Many people deem him to be a great leader.
They deemed the situation dangerous and took immediate action.
The company deemed the project a success, despite some initial setbacks.
How It's Used
"The court deemed the evidence inadmissible."
"She deemed it necessary to apologize."
Idioms & expressions
as one deems fit
According to one's own judgment or choice.
"The manager will handle the situation as he deems fit."
From Old English *dēman* 'to judge, decide'. Related to Dutch *doemen* and German *tümen*. The word originally encompassed both judging and thinking but evolved primarily towards the latter sense, particularly of considering or believing something.
The word 'deem' has been used in legal and religious contexts to denote a formal judgment or pronouncement.
Memory tip
Think of a judge's "de-cision" in court. They DEEM things to be true or not.