Deed vs. Indeed — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
"Deed" refers to an action or a legal document, whereas "Indeed" is an adverb used to emphasize a statement or a response.
Difference Between Deed and Indeed
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Deed" often denotes an action, particularly one that is significant or noteworthy. In contrast, "Indeed" serves as an adverb, emphasizing or confirming a statement. While a deed can be heroic or mundane, indeed highlights the truth or surprising nature of a remark.
In legal contexts, a "deed" is a formal document, often related to the ownership of property. "Indeed," however, has no legal connotations; it's used in conversation or writing to strengthen a point, sometimes conveying a sense of irony or agreement.
"Deed" implies something done, an act carried out. This can range from good deeds to deeds of ownership. "Indeed," on the other hand, often appears in responses, as in "Indeed, that is correct," serving to affirm or slightly modify the preceding statement.
"Deed" can be both tangible, like a document, and intangible, like an act of kindness. "Indeed" is intangible, a part of speech that adds depth or confirmation to dialogue or text, incapable of being a standalone concept like a deed.
In summary, "deed" represents action or legal documents, while "indeed" is an adverb used for emphasis, confirmation, or sometimes irony. They occupy different linguistic functions and contexts, making their uses distinct.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Adverb
Meaning
Action or document
Emphasis or confirmation
Usage Context
Legal, everyday actions
Conversational, writing
Tangibility
Can be tangible or intangible
Intangible
Function in Sentence
Subject or object
Modifier
Compare with Definitions
Deed
An act or effort.
The deed of helping others brought him joy.
Indeed
Used to emphasize a statement or response.
It was indeed a remarkable performance.
Deed
A legal document, especially regarding property.
The deed to the house was finally signed.
Indeed
Indeed can express surprise or irony.
You're tired? Indeed, you've only worked an hour!
Deed
Something done or performed.
The heroic deed was celebrated by all.
Indeed
Used to confirm or agree with something.
Are you coming? Indeed, I am on my way.
Deed
A notable achievement.
The scientist's deed earned him a Nobel Prize.
Indeed
Indeed can emphasize the truth.
He is indeed the best candidate for the job.
Deed
An action, often significant or moral.
She was known for her charitable deeds.
Indeed
Used to add emphasis to a preceding statement.
It's a small problem, indeed, but an annoying one.
Deed
In common law, a deed (anciently "an evidence") is any legal instrument in writing which passes, affirms or confirms an interest, right, or property and that is signed, attested, delivered, and in some jurisdictions, sealed. It is commonly associated with transferring (conveyancing) title to property.
Indeed
Indeed is an American worldwide employment website for job listings launched in November 2004. It is a subsidiary of Japan's Recruit Co.
Deed
Something that is carried out; an act or action.
Indeed
Used to emphasize a statement or response confirming something already suggested
‘She should have no trouble hearing him.’ ‘No indeed.’
It was not expected to last long, and indeed it took less than three weeks
Deed
A usually praiseworthy act; a feat or exploit.
Indeed
Used to introduce a further and stronger or more surprising point
The idea is attractive to many men and indeed to many women
Deed
Action or performance in general
Deeds, not words, matter most.
Indeed
Used in a response to express interest, surprise, or contempt
‘A ghost indeed! I've never heard anything so silly.’
Deed
A signed, sealed, and delivered instrument.
Indeed
Without a doubt; certainly
Very cold indeed.
Was indeed grateful.
Deed
An instrument conveying an interest in real property.
Indeed
In fact; in reality
Felt sure I'd win, and indeed I did.
Deed
To transfer by means of a deed
Deeded the property to the children.
Indeed
Used to express surprise, skepticism, or irony.
Deed
An action or act; something that is done.
One small deed can have one stour effect or more.
Indeed
(modal) Truly; in fact; actually.
Indeed, he made several misplays.
Yes, I do indeed look very similar to you.
Deed
A brave or noteworthy action; a feat or exploit.
Indeed
In fact.
As a soccer player, he is terrible indeed.
Deed
Action or fact, as opposed to rhetoric or deliberation.
I have fulfilled my promise in word and in deed.
Indeed
Indicates emphatic agreement.
"I am a great runner." "Indeed!"
Deed
(legal) A legal instrument that is executed under seal or before a witness; sometimes required for certain legal activities, such as the transfer of certain kinds of property.
Indeed
In reality; in truth; in fact; verily; truly; - used in a variety of senses. Esp.: (a) Denoting emphasis; as, indeed it is so. (b) Denoting concession or admission; as, indeed, you are right. (c) Denoting surprise; as, indeed, is it you? Its meaning is not intrinsic or fixed, but depends largely on the form of expression which it accompanies.
The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
I were a beast indeed to do you wrong.
There is, indeed, no great pleasure in visiting these magazines of war.
Deed
The legal title to real estate; ownership.
I inherited the deed to the house.
Indeed
In truth (often tends to intensify);
They said the car would break down and indeed it did
It is very cold indeed
Was indeed grateful
Indeed, the rain may still come
He did so do it!
Deed
To transfer real property by deed.
He deeded over the mineral rights to some fellas from Denver.
Indeed
(used as an interjection) an expression of surprise or skepticism or irony etc.;
Wants to marry the butler? Indeed!
Deed
Dead.
Deed
That which is done or effected by a responsible agent; an act; an action; a thing done; - a word of extensive application, including, whatever is done, good or bad, great or small.
And Joseph said to them, What deed is this which ye have done?
We receive the due reward of our deeds.
Would serve his kind in deed and word.
Deed
Illustrious act; achievement; exploit.
Whose deeds some nobler poem shall adorn.
Deed
Power of action; agency; efficiency.
To be, both will and deed, created free.
Deed
Fact; reality; - whence we have indeed.
Deed
A sealed instrument in writing, on paper or parchment, duly executed and delivered, containing some transfer, bargain, or contract.
Deed
Performance; - followed by of.
Deed
To convey or transfer by deed; as, he deeded all his estate to his eldest son.
Deed
A notable achievement;
He performed a great deed
The book was her finest effort
Deed
A legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it;
He signed the deed
He kept the title to his car in the glove compartment
Common Curiosities
Is "indeed" always used to agree with someone?
Not always; "indeed" can also express surprise or irony.
Can "deed" refer to both actions and documents?
Yes, "deed" can refer to actions or legal documents.
Is a deed always related to property?
No, a deed can also refer to an action or effort.
Are deeds legally binding?
Yes, in a legal context, deeds are often legally binding documents.
Does "indeed" change the meaning of a sentence?
"Indeed" emphasizes but generally doesn't change the core meaning.
Can "indeed" modify adjectives?
Yes, "indeed" can emphasize adjectives (e.g., "very cold indeed").
Can "deed" be used in everyday language?
Yes, "deed" is used in everyday language to denote actions.
Does "deed" have plural form?
Yes, it can be pluralized as "deeds."
Can "deed" describe a negative action?
Yes, "deed" can refer to both positive and negative actions.
Can "indeed" be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, "indeed" can start a sentence to affirm or emphasize a point.
Can "indeed" be used sarcastically?
Yes, "indeed" can be used to convey irony or sarcasm.
Does "indeed" have synonyms?
Yes, words like "certainly" or "truly" can be synonyms.
Are deeds always public records?
In legal contexts, deeds are often recorded and can be public.
Is "indeed" formal or informal?
"Indeed" can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Is "good deeds" a common phrase?
Yes, "good deeds" is a commonly used phrase.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
