# deed

/ˈdid/ (US) · /dˈiːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deed
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. an action

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal · Literary

something that you do, especially something very good or very bad.

For teachers: an intentional act or action, often carrying a moral or noteworthy quality.

- He was rewarded for his many good deeds in the local community.
- The knight's heroic deeds were celebrated in songs and stories throughout the kingdom for generations.

Usage: Often appears in the fixed phrase 'good deed'.

### 2. property document

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a legal document that proves you own a building or land.

For teachers: a signed and delivered legal instrument that grants a right or transfers the title of property.

- After paying off the mortgage, they finally received the deed to their house.
- The solicitor examined the property deed to ensure there were no hidden restrictions on the land use.

Usage: Usually used in the plural ('deeds') when referring to the collection of documents for a property.

### 3. to transfer property

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

to officially give or sell land to someone using a legal document.

For teachers: to convey or transfer real estate by means of a deed.

- The land was deeded to the city to be used as a public park.
- The estate was deeded to the eldest daughter in accordance with the late patriarch's final wishes.

## Examples

- He was rewarded for his good deed.
- After the final payment was made, the bank sent the original deed to the homeowner as proof of ownership.
- The protagonist's journey is defined not by his noble intentions but by the specific deeds he performs when faced with the moral ambiguity of the frontier.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.