deed

An action that is especially brave, kind, or important.

• You did a good deed.
• The soldier received a medal for his brave deeds.
• One kind deed can change someone’s day.

Similar words: feat, exploit

Common phrases: a good deed, a heroic deed, a brave deed

A legal document that records an agreement, often about who owns land or a building.

• She signed the deed.
• The lawyer checked the deed before the sale.
• They keep the deeds to their house in a safe.

Similar words: legal instrument

Common phrases: sign a deed, title deed, deed of transfer

Something that someone does.

• He regretted his past deeds.
• Judge her by her deeds rather than her promises.
• Their words and deeds affected everyone in the village.

Similar words: action, act

Common phrases: an evil deed, words and deeds, someone’s past deeds

Real action, rather than only words, thoughts, or promises.

• She supported us in deed.
• He showed his loyalty in word and deed.
• Their concern existed in thought but never in deed.

Similar words: action, practice

Common phrases: in deed, in word and deed, thought and deed

To give someone ownership of land or a building through a legal document.

• She deeded the house to her son.
• They deeded the land to a local charity.
• The owner agreed to deed over the property.

How to use it: deed something to someone (He deeded the cottage to his daughter.); deed something over to someone (They deeded the field over to the council.)

Similar words: convey, transfer

Common phrases: deed something to someone, deed over property, deed land