noun

deed

/diːd/ · say it: deed

a signed legal document, especially transferring property

In Law & Justice

In more detail

1. (noun) an action or thing that someone does, especially something important or notable

2. (noun) a legal document that proves ownership of property

Examples

1. The firefighters' brave deeds saved many lives.
2. You need to sign the deed to complete the purchase of the house.

How to use deed

Deed has two distinct uses: in general contexts it refers to notable or significant actions, often with moral or heroic connotations (good deeds, brave deeds); in legal contexts it designates a formal written instrument transferring property rights. The general sense is somewhat formal or literary compared to the synonyms action or act.

Common phrases

a good deed
a noble deed
deed of ownership
in deed and in word
by deed poll

Synonyms

action · act · feat · exploit · accomplishment

Opposites

inaction · inactivity

Word family

deeded (adjective/verb) · deeding (verb form)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse deed with the homophone 'did' in speech, or fail to recognize that 'deed of ownership' refers specifically to a legal document, not just any property-related action.

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