Deem vs. Seem: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on September 14, 2023
"Deem" means to judge or consider, while "seem" refers to appearing or giving the impression.
Difference Between Deem and Seem
"Deem" and "seem" are both verbs in the English language, but they serve distinctly different purposes. "Deem" is more authoritative and is used when making a judgment or opinion about something. For instance, a judge might deem a particular action to be illegal. In contrast, "seem" is more observational and is used to describe appearances or impressions without confirming them as facts. A sky filled with dark clouds might seem like it's going to rain.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Additionally, "deem" is more definitive. It's about forming an opinion based on assessment or belief. When someone deems a film to be excellent, they're expressing a firm belief or judgment about its quality. "Seem", on the other hand, is more speculative and tentative. When someone says a film seems interesting, they're not making a definitive judgment but expressing an initial impression based on limited information.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Another difference lies in the subjectivity and objectivity of both words. "Deem" is highly subjective as it's based on personal judgment. What one person deems necessary, another might not. Conversely, "seem" can be both subjective and objective. It can be based on a personal impression or on an observable trait. A snake might seem dangerous due to personal fear, but it also might seem long based on its observable length.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Lastly, "deem" is more formal and less frequently used in casual conversations than "seem". Legal documents or official proclamations might use "deem" to express judgments or determinations. In everyday discourse, "seem" is more prevalent, reflecting observations or impressions about the surrounding world.
Henry
Sep 14, 2023
Deem vs. Seem Comparison Chart
Usage Scenario
Legal judgments, definitive opinions
Describing appearances, initial impressions
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Deem vs. Seem Definitions
◉Seem
To give the impression of being in a certain way; appear to be
The child seems healthy, but the doctor is concerned. The house seems to be in good condition.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Deem
To regard as; consider
deemed the results unsatisfactory. See Usage Note at as1.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seem
Used to call attention to one's impression or understanding about something, especially in weakening the force of a following infinitive
I can't seem to get the story straight.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Deem
To suppose or believe
"making little improvements which she deemed that he would value when she was gone" (Thomas Hardy).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seem
To appear to be probable or evident
It seems you object to the plan. It seems like rain.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seem
(copulative) To appear; to look outwardly; to be perceived as.
He seems to be ill.
Her eyes seem blue.
It must have seemed to her she was safe.
How did she seem to you?
He seems not to be at home.
It seems like rain.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seem
To appear, or to appear to be; to have a show or semblance; to present an appearance; to look; to strike one's apprehension or fancy as being; to be taken as.
Thou picture of what thou seem'st.
All seemed well pleased; all seemed, but were not all.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.
A prince of Italy, it seems, entertained his mistress on a great lake.
Ham. Ay, madam, it is common.Queen. If it be,Why seems it so particular with thee?Ham. Seems, madam! Nay, it is; I know not "seems."
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Deem
(ditransitive) To hold in belief or estimation; to adjudge as a conclusion; to regard as being; to evaluate according to one's beliefs; to account.
She deemed his efforts insufficient.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seem
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect;
She seems to be sleeping
This appears to be a very difficult problem
This project looks fishy
They appeared like people who had not eaten or slept for a long time
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Deem
(ambitransitive) To think, judge, or have or hold as an opinion; to decide or believe on consideration; to suppose.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seem
seem to be true, probable, or apparent;
It seems that he is very gifted
It appears that the weather in California is very bad
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seem
appear to exist;
There seems no reason to go ahead with the project now
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Deem
To decide; to judge; to sentence; to condemn.
Claudius . . . Was demed for to hang upon a tree.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Seem
appear to one's own mind or opinion;
I seem to be misunderstood by everyone
I can't seem to learn these Chinese characters
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Deem
To account; to esteem; to think; to judge; to hold in opinion; to regard.
For never can I deem him less him less than god.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Deem
To be of opinion; to think; to estimate; to opine; to suppose.
And deemest thou as those who pore,With aged eyes, short way before?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Deem
keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view;
take for granted
view as important
hold these truths to be self-evident
I hold him personally responsible
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Deem
Regard with respect to suitability
The room was deemed appropriate for the meeting.
Leo
Sep 06, 2023
Deem vs. Seem Frequently Asked Questions
Is deem more formal than seem?
Yes, deem is generally more formal and less common in casual conversations.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Does deem imply certainty?
Deem is more definitive and implies a firm belief or judgment.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
How is seem different from deem?
Seem describes appearances or impressions without asserting them as facts.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Is deem always about a personal judgment?
Deem is often subjective, based on personal judgment or assessment.
Olivia
Sep 14, 2023
Which is more subjective, deem or seem?
Deem is typically more subjective, while seem can be both subjective and objective.
Jonathan
Sep 14, 2023
Can seem be used to express uncertainty?
Yes, seem can be used to describe tentative impressions or appearances.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
How is deem used in legal contexts?
In legal settings, deem is used to express judgments or determinations.
William
Sep 14, 2023
What does deem mean?
Deem means to judge or consider based on assessment or belief.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Can seem describe both appearance and actuality?
Yes, something can seem a certain way based on appearance or actuality.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Is it accurate to say "It deems to be good"?
No, the correct usage would be "It is deemed to be good".
Levi
Sep 14, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
