Judgment
ˈdʒʌdʒmənt
Definitions
3 meaningsThe ability to make considered decisions or form opinions; a decision reached after consideration; a formal ruling by a court of law.
ˈdʒʌdʒmənt
The ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions.
Her judgment was clouded by her emotions.
💡 Simply: It's like when you decide what's the right thing to do, or when a judge in a court makes a decision. For example, "I used good judgment when I decided to bring an umbrella because it rained!"
👶 For kids: When you decide what's right or wrong, or when a judge in court says what should happen.
More Examples
The judge delivered a harsh judgment.
It requires sound judgment to navigate this situation.
How It's Used
"She showed good judgment in her choices."
"The court delivered its judgment."
An opinion or assessment formed after consideration; a critical evaluation.
ˈdʒʌdʒmənt
An opinion or assessment.
She gave a harsh judgment on his work.
💡 Simply: When you form an opinion about something or someone. Like when you look at someone’s art and say, “I think it’s really creative and colorful!" That’s your judgment!
👶 For kids: What you think about something or someone.
More Examples
His judgment of the situation proved to be correct.
I reserve my judgment until I hear all the facts.
How It's Used
"I made a judgment about her character based on her actions."
The final assessment of the human race by God, determining the fate of each individual.
ˈdʒʌdʒmənt
The final trial of humans by God.
Many religions speak of a final judgment.
💡 Simply: In some religions, it’s the time when everyone is judged by God to see if they go to heaven or somewhere else after they die.
👶 For kids: In some stories, it's the time when God decides if you've been good or bad.
More Examples
The Day of Judgment is a central concept in some faiths.
How It's Used
"They believed in the day of judgment."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
poor judgment
A lack of good decision-making skills.
"His investments showed poor judgment."
judgment call
A decision made based on personal assessment when there's no clear rule.
"The referee's decision was a judgment call."
to pass judgment
To express an opinion or criticism about someone or something.
"It's not my place to pass judgment on her choices."
From Old French *jugement*, from Latin *iūdicium* ('a trial, judgment, sentence'), from *iūdex* ('judge').
Historically, the word "judgment" has been used in legal, religious, and philosophical contexts to describe decisions, evaluations, and divine assessments.
Memory tip
Think of making a wise *decision* after *judging* the situation.
Word Origin
"a trial, judgment, sentence"