Deem vs. Seem — What's the Difference?

Deem is a verb that involves making a judgment or considering something in a certain way based on assessment or belief. When someone deems something, they have arrived at a conclusion about its nature, value, or condition after some level of thought or consideration. Seem, on the other hand, is used to describe how something appears or feels to the senses or mind, often without a definitive judgment or conclusion being made. It suggests an impression that something gives off, which may or may not reflect its true nature. Seeming is more about perception than conclusion.

While "deem" often implies a degree of authority or basis for the judgment made, "seem" implies perception or appearance that may be superficial or subject to change upon further information. A judge might deem an action lawful, implying a considered decision, whereas a situation might seem unfair to an onlooker based on initial appearances.

Deem is typically followed by an object and a complement, such as "deem it necessary" or "deem the project a success," indicating a judgment made about the object. Seem, however, is often used with adjectives or adverbial phrases like "seem fair" or "seem to be working," indicating the impression given by the subject.

In usage, "deem" is more formal and less common in everyday language than "seem." It is often used in legal, official, or formal contexts where judgments and decisions are made. "Seem," being more about impressions and appearances, is widely used in both formal and informal contexts to describe perceptions.