Games

Word of the Day

Video

Blog: Words at Play

My Faves

Dictionary

deem

verb \ˈdēm\

: to think of (someone or something) in a particular way

Full Definition of DEEM

transitive verb

: to come to think or judge : consider <deemed it wise to go slow>

intransitive verb

: to have an opinion : believe

See deem defined for English-language learners

See deem defined for kids

Origin of DEEM

Middle English demen, from Old English dēman; akin to Old High German tuomen to judge, Old English dōm doom

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to DEEM

Synonyms: allow [chiefly Southern & Midland], conceive, consider, believe, esteem, feel, figure, guess, hold, imagine, judge, reckon [chiefly dialect], suppose, think

Rhymes with DEEM

beam, bream, cream, deme, dream, gleam, meme, neem, Nîmes, ream, scheme, scream, seam, seem, seme, steam, stream, team, teem, theme

DEEM Defined for Kids

deem

verb \ˈdēm\

deemeddeem·ing

Definition of DEEM for Kids

: to have as an opinion <She deemed it wise to wait.>

Learn More About DEEM

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "deem"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "deem"

Nglish: Translation of "deem" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "deem" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: de–emanatePrevious Word in the Dictionary: deejayAll Words Near: deem

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up deem? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More