deed
deed
Deed (noun) means an action, especially a notable or significant one. Example: “The firefighter was praised for his heroic deed.”
noun
1
An action, especially a notable or significant one.
"The firefighter was praised for his heroic deed."
"Actions speak louder than words — judge people by their deeds."
"Helping a stranger carry her shopping home was a kind deed."
2
A legal document, signed and witnessed or sealed, used to transfer or prove ownership of property.
"They finally received the deed to the house after closing."
"The solicitor keeps the deed to our flat in a safe."
"You must sign the deed in front of a witness."
verb
1
To formally transfer property to someone by means of a deed.
"She deeded the farm to her son before retiring."
"He deeded the small cottage to his niece last year."
"The couple deeded their land to the village for a new park."
How to use deed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a notable action, or the legal paperwork proving who owns a property.
Common pairings
good deed
property deed
heroic deed
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Word forms
- Plural
- deeds
- Third person singular
- deeds
- Past tense
- deeded
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
View more →Related words
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.
