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deed
/diːd/
action or act
She performed a kind deed by helping the elderly woman cross the street.
An example of an action that shows kindness.
formal
An intentional act, especially one that is morally significant.
The charity was founded to reward people for their good deeds.
Awarding people for positive actions.
He was praised for his heroic deeds during the rescue.
Actions that showed bravery.
Often used in a moral or ethical context, implying a deliberate choice.
Law
legal
A legal document that transfers property ownership.
The deed to the house was filed at the county courthouse.
A legal document proving ownership of property.
She signed the deed to transfer the land to her son.
Transferring legal ownership through a document.
In law, 'deed' specifically refers to a signed legal instrument.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish moral vs. legal 'deed'
Pay attention to context. If the sentence mentions morality, ethics, or personal qualities, it's likely the moral sense. If it mentions property, ownership, or legal documents, it's the legal sense.
Gold Rule
Use 'deed' for intentional actions
Reserve 'deed' for actions that are deliberate and often morally significant. For accidental actions, use 'action' or 'event'.
Legal documents require 'deed'
In legal contexts, 'deed' is the correct term for documents transferring property ownership. Do not use 'document' or 'paper' in formal legal writing.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'dede', from Old English 'dǣd' (deed, act), from Proto-Germanic '*dēdiz' (doing, deed), related to 'do'. The legal sense dates back to the 15th century.
Usage Notes
In everyday language, 'deed' often implies moral significance. In legal contexts, it specifically refers to a signed document. Avoid confusion between the moral and legal meanings.
Word Breakdown
deed
action or legal document
rootEnglish Dictionary