Deep seeded issues (Is it correct?)
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OptimistMinds
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In this guide, we will discuss the meaning of Deep seeded issues vs deep-seated issues, which one is correct and why, a few examples of sentences using deep-seated and deep-seeded and how to remember the difference.
Deep seeded issues or Deep-seated issues: which is correct?
Deep seeded issues seem to be a common mistake but the correct term would be deep-seated issues.
This actually means ‘firmly established’ but it can also refer to ‘situated far below the surface’, ‘entrenched’ or ‘deep-rooted’.
We can see how ‘seeded’ and ‘seated’ can be easily confused because of how similar they sound, which is something that tends to happen with the English language and many of its words.
If you say deep-seated and deep-seeded out loud and without a pause, you would notice how they sound alike.
In American English, often they change the ‘t’ sound to a ‘d’ sound, due to voicing the ‘t’.
Moreover, consider that the phrase deep-seated functions as an adjective which should always be hyphenated.
Mignon Fogarty from Quick and Dirty Tips explains how, “We don’t often use the word seat that way anymore, so it’s easy to see why people get confused about deep-seated.
When you’re thinking of something deeply felt or buried, it’s not far fetched to think of a seed buried in the dirt.
Nevertheless, deep-seated is the right choice.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines deep-seated as “having its seat far beneath the surface.”
Moreover, as indicated in merriam-webster.com, “Both seated and seeded show up paired with deep- in written, edited prose, though only one of them is right.
Deep-seated is the adjective you are looking for to refer to something that is firmly established (such as, “It was a deep-seated tradition for graduates to wear white under their graduation robes”).”
Using deep-seated in a sentence
As we have discussed, deep-seated means firmly established or deeply rooted.
Here are some examples from enhancemywriting.com and grammarist.com:
- 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.
- The work of deep-seated, sustainable change remains the hardest work there is. [Harvard Business Review]
- The second post was about the nature of conflict in America over deep-seated beliefs. [Joseph Robert Lewis]
- But despite that, there are deep-seated problems, says the report. [BBC News]
Using deep-seeded in a sentence
As we have seen so far, using ‘deep-seeded’ seems logical but it is not the correct way as we have seen so far.
Here are some examples from enhancemywriting.com and grammarist.com:
- 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)
- If that isn’t true, I at least hope that my deep seeded fascination with pop culture has made you feel better about what you do in your free time. [The Maneater]
- Montaner maintains that deep-seeded discrimination and stigma has resulted in decreasing interest in the disease. [Toronto Star]
- And when I say resent, I mean resent with a deep-seeded, unhealthy anger that I can’t really explain. [Huffington Post]
If we think about why most people will make this common mistake would be because if we mean to say something is ‘deeply buried’ somewhere, then we can think about seeds as things that are buried in the ground.
However, it doesn’t matter how logical and obvious it might sound, it is still not the correct way.
How to can I remember the difference?
To remember using deep-seated instead of deep-seeded, consider that seeds sown too deep into the ground won’t grow but if something is seated, it means it is firmly in place, deeply in something else.
To have a better understanding of how to remember the difference, here is a trick proposed by writingexplained.
org that we find very useful to remember how to correctly use the word deep-seated instead of deep-seeded:
“Imagine a football fan seated deeply within the depths of his couch, eating chips and hotdogs. Nothing will make him move from his position.
He is positioned firmly and in a fixed position deep within the seat.”
“You might say he is entrenched on the couch. In other words, he is deep-seated.
This trick will help you mentally associate the phrase with the word seated.”
Why is this blog about Deep seeded issues important?
At first, we might think of how it is not a big deal to use the word deep-seeded issues instead of deep-seated issues.
It is easy to confuse seated and seeded since they have nearly identical pronunciations but we need to think about what we want to say and express by picturing both words in our heads and how they will fit the context for example when we say deep-seated anxiety or psychological issues.
Moreover, if we are truly looking to refer to something that is firmly established or something that is situated far below the surface (i.e. deep-seated fears), where seeds couldn’t really grow, then we will remember the correct term to use in this case is deep-seated.
Please feel free to leave any comments or thoughts about the content of this article!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Deep seeded issues
What does deep seeded mean?
When using deep-seeded, many people would understand it as something that is buried in the ground or firmly established at a deep level.
Metaphorically speaking, it relates to feelings or positions being buried deep within someone.
However, remember how seeds can’t be buried deep down since it will prevent them from growing, where the correct way would be deep-seated.
What are deep seated issues?
According to the collins dictionary, “A deep-seated problem, feeling, or belief is difficult to change because its causes have been there for a long time.” This also means firmly established or deep rooted issues in this case.
Is it seated or seeded?
Even though seated and seeded sound alike, the correct spelling would be deep-seated which means deeply buried or firmly established.
Deep-seeded then becomes a common misspelling due to the similarities in the pronunciation of seat and seed even if they both refer to completely different things.
What is the meaning of deeply rooted?
According to the Macmillan dictionary, “a deep-rooted feeling, belief, idea, etc is strong and you have had it for so long that it is difficult to change. a deep-rooted fear of spiders.”
What does it mean to get seeded?
Seeded is the past tense of seed and depending on the context you can refer to sow (land) with seeds, cause (something) to begin to develop or grow, remove the seeds from a vegetable or fruit.
However, seeded can also be used to give a competitor the status of seed in a tournament, among other meanings.
References
Fogarty, M. (2015, May.) Deep-Seeded or Deep-Seated?. Retrieved from quickanddirtytips.com.
Enhancemywriting.com: “Deep-Seated vs. Deep-Seeded – How to Use Each Correctly”
Grammarist.com: “Deep-seeded vs. deep-seated”
Writingexplained.org: “Deep-Seated or Deep-Seeded: What’s the Difference?”
Merriam-webster.com: “Is It ‘Deep-Seated’ or ‘Deep-Seeded’?”
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