Deep-Seated vs. Deep-Seeded – How to Use Each Correctly
What’s the Difference Between Deep Seated and Deep Seeded?
Contents
If an American were to pronounce both deep-seated and deep-seeded out loud, the two terms would sound alike. This is because Americans often change the t sound to a d sound, due to voicing the t. However, only one of these spellings is correct.
Deep-seated is an adjective phrase that means firmly established.
- People who think racism is an easy problem to solve underestimate what a deep-seated issue it is.
Deep-seeded is a common misspelling of deep-seated.
- Her fear of dogs is deep-seeded, and so far no amount of counseling has helped her to overcome this phobia.
Now, let’s go over a few ways to use these words in English.
Using Deep-Seated in a Sentence
When to use deep-seated: Deep-seated means deeply rooted, deeply buried, or firmly established.
For example,
- The hatred between the two sports rivals was so deep-seated that fights broke out at every game, even after officials took measures to end the rivalry.
- The girl had a deep-seated distrust of different religions than her own, since she had been raised in a cult.
One of the older definitions of seat was location or center of an emotion or power. An examples of this would be The seat of the King’s power was in Valyeria. This usage is no longer common. However, this is the meaning it holds in the term deep-seated. Originally the term deep seated meant that the center of something was deeply buried, or way under the surface, in a literal manner. Nowadays it is almost always metaphorical.
Using Deep-Seeded in a Sentence
When to use all deep-seeded: Deep-seeded is an incorrect way to spell deep-seated. Despite that, it is common to find examples of this misspelling in prominent, edited publications.
For example,
- Everyone knows the Jones family and the Smith family have a deep-seeded feud. (incorrect spelling, use deep-seated instead)
- The veteran had a deep-seeded sense of loyalty for her country. (incorrect spelling, use deep-seated instead)
People most likely use this misspelling because it seems very logical at first glance. It means deeply buried, and seeds are things that are often buried under the surface of the earth. Despite this logical connection, deep-seeded is always incorrect.
Remembering Deep-Seated vs. Deep-Seeded
One way to remember that deep-seated is the correct spelling is to imagine yourself sitting in a very soft, very comfortable chair. Imagine that it is so soft that you sink deeply into it. In fact, it is hard for you to get out of the chair again because you are so deeply seated. This hypothetical scenario can help you remember that deep-seated makes logical sense as firmly established.
On the other hand, you can remember than many seeds should not be buried very far under the soil if they are to have the highest chance of germination. In fact, most seeds should only be a few millimeters deep or less than two inches. This can help you keep in mind that deep-seeded doesn’t necessarily have a logical connection to firmly established.
Outside Examples
- While past efforts have focused on improving consumers’ food literacy and kitchen skills, converting them to leftovers will involve changing deep-seated food preferences. –Denver Post
- Particularly egregious are the comments from Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss, whose critical contribution has, once again, revealed a deep-seated bigotry and a painful lack of understanding of this country’s historic racism. –Chicago Sun Times
- “I understand that this verdict brings a lot of hurt and pain and deep-seeded frustration,” he said. –The Wall Street Journal
- There are many things children of the 90s bond over: An irrational fear of getting slimed, a desire to conquer the Aggro Crag, deep-seeded regret at failing to ask for a pair of Moon Shoes. –USA Today
Quiz: Deep-Seated vs. Deep-Seeded
Instructions: Fill in the blank with the correct term, either deep-seated or deep-seeded.
- He will always try his best to take care of his family. He has a __________ love for all his siblings.
- The dog followed the owner wherever she went because it had a ______________ trust for her.
- The politician had a _____________________ distrust of communism.
See answers below.
Article Summary
Should I use deep-seated or deep-seeded? These terms sound alike, but only one of them has the correct spelling.
- Deep-seated is the correct spelling for an adjective phrase that means deeply buried or firmly established.
- Deep-seeded is a common misspelling.
Don’t let the fact that many people use the wrong spelling confuse you into using the wrong spelling as well.
Answers
- deep-seated
- deep-seated
- deep-seated