Words / C1

DEEM/diːm/

To deem is a formal consider or judge: deemed necessary, deemed too expensive. Think and consider are everyday; judge can sound legal. Deem is common in rules, minutes, and news (deemed to have consented). It rarely takes a that-clause in modern prose: they deemed the plan risky, not “deemed that.” In speech, we think or we consider is the natural choice.

Meaning

To consider or judge something in a particular way.

Examples

• “The committee deemed the plan too expensive.”
• “The committee deemed the evidence insufficient.”
• “Any work submitted late is deemed incomplete unless you have an extension.”

Good to know

Formal for consider/judge. deemed + adjective / deemed to + verb. Everyday: think / consider.

Near in meaning

consider

New