deed
Deed (noun) means an action, especially a notable or significant one. Example: “The firefighter was praised for his heroic deed.”
How to use deed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a notable action, or the legal paperwork proving who owns a property.
Word forms
deeded past tense, deeds plural, deeds singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The firefighter was praised for his heroic _____.
Etymology
From Old English dǣd ("deed, act"), from Proto-Germanic dēdiz, related to the verb "do."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for deed
See all rhymes for deed →Frequently asked questions
What does “deed” mean?
The word “deed” means an action, especially a notable or significant one. In plain terms, either a notable action, or the legal paperwork proving who owns a property.
How do you pronounce “deed”?
“Deed” is pronounced deed (/diːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “deed” in a sentence?
Here is “deed” used in a sentence: “The firefighter was praised for his heroic deed.”
What is another word for “deed”?
Words with a similar meaning to “deed” include act and action.
What part of speech is “deed”?
Depending on how it is used, “deed” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “deed” come from?
The word “deed” comes from Old English. From Old English dǣd ("deed, act"), from Proto-Germanic dēdiz, related to the verb "do.".
Is “deed” a common word?
“Deed” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “deed” have?
“Deed” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an action, especially a notable or significant one.
What is the difference between a deed and a contract?
A deed is a formal legal document, typically signed, witnessed, or sealed, used specifically to transfer or prove ownership of property. A contract is a broader agreement between parties that doesn't necessarily involve property transfer or the same level of formality.
When is the word deed used in a legal sense versus an everyday sense?
In everyday speech, a deed simply means a notable action, as in 'a good deed.' In legal and property contexts, a deed refers specifically to the signed document that transfers or proves ownership of real estate or other property.
Can deed be used as a verb?
Yes, to deed something means to formally transfer property to someone using a deed, as in 'she deeded the house to her son.' This usage is mostly found in legal or property-related contexts, especially in American English.