deem
C1Formal, Legal, Literary
Definition
Meaning
To consider, judge, or regard something in a particular way.
To form or hold a formal opinion or judgment, often implying an authoritative or legal assessment, not merely a casual thought.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a conclusion based on evidence or authority, not a fleeting opinion. Often used in passive constructions ('deemed to be') and followed by a complement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slightly more frequent in British legal/administrative texts.
Connotations
Strongly formal/legal in both varieties. Slightly archaic or literary nuance in everyday use.
Frequency
Relatively low-frequency in general discourse, but a staple in formal, official, and legal contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] deem [NP] [AdjP/NP/to-infinitive][NP] be deemed [AdjP/NP/to-infinitive]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “deem it fit”
- “deem worthy”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in contracts and policies: 'The board may deem it necessary to restructure.'
Academic
Used in analytical or philosophical writing: 'The experiment was deemed a success.'
Everyday
Rare in casual speech; used for emphasis: 'I didn't deem it important enough to mention.'
Technical
Common in legal/regulatory language: 'The substance is deemed hazardous.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council may deem the development unsuitable for the conservation area.
- He was deemed a threat to national security.
American English
- The FDA deemed the drug safe for public use.
- The judge deemed the evidence inadmissible.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher deemed his work excellent.
- I deem this information very useful.
- The committee did not deem the proposal financially viable.
- Any attempt to falsify records will be deemed a serious offence.
- The court deemed the prior agreement null and void.
- Archaeologists deem the artefact to be of immeasurable cultural significance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DEEM sounds like 'DREAM' of a judgment. You DREAM up a considered opinion, you DEEM it to be true.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUDGMENT IS A FORMAL DECREE (to deem is to issue a mental verdict).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'думать' (to think) – too casual. Closer to 'считать', 'полагать', 'признавать' in formal senses.
- The object of 'deem' is often what is considered, not the person considering: 'I deem him reliable' = 'Я считаю его надёжным.'
Common Mistakes
- Using it in casual contexts where 'think' is better.
- Incorrect syntax: 'I deem that he is guilty.' (Prefer: 'I deem him guilty.')
- Confusing with 'seem'.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'deem' used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily used in formal, legal, official, or literary contexts. In everyday speech, 'consider', 'think', or 'regard' are more common.
It is most often followed by a direct object and then an object complement (noun or adjective), or a 'to-infinitive'. Example: 'They deemed him (to be) a hero.' The passive voice is very common: 'He was deemed unfit.'
'Deem' is more formal and authoritative, often implying a final or official judgment. 'Consider' is more neutral and general, referring to the act of thinking about something. You can 'consider' options, but you 'deem' a final outcome.
Extremely rarely. As a stative verb expressing a state of judgment, it is almost always used in simple tenses (deem, deems, deemed).