deem

UK: /ˈdiːm/ US: /dim/ ,(dēm)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

deem /dim/   v. [ not: be + ~-ing]

1. to have as an opinion;
   believe: [ ~ + obj + (to be) + noun]:
   The council deemed him to be a traitor.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

deem  (dēm), v.i. 

1. to form or have an opinion;
   judge;
   think:
   He did not deem lightly of the issue.

v.t. 

2. to hold as an opinion;
   think;
   regard:
   He deemed it wise to refuse the offer.

• bef. 900; Middle English demen, Old English dēman; cognate with Gothic dōmjan, Old High German tuomen; see doom

Synonyms

• 2. consider, hold, believe.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

deem / diːm/ verb

1. (transitive) to judge or consider

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