Verdict Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈvərdɪkt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A decision or finding reached after due process, especially in a court of law. Also, a conclusion or judgment made in a specific context, such as a scientific experiment or a commercial transaction.

Examples

• The jury delivered a verdict of guilty against the defendant.
• The experiment yielded a verdict that contradicted the initial hypothesis.

Synonyms

• Decision
• Finding
• Conclusion

Antonyms

• Indecision
• Suspense

Additional Information

Verdicts are often influenced by a variety of factors, including evidence, testimony, and precedent. In some cases, verdicts may be appealed or revised if new information becomes available. In scientific and commercial contexts, verdicts are often used to describe the outcome of an experiment, trial, or transaction, and can have significant implications for future decisions and actions.

In general, verdicts are intended to provide a clear and authoritative conclusion or judgment, often based on established procedures and guidelines. This clarity and authority can be important in a range of situations, from legal proceedings to scientific research and commercial transactions.

Etymology

The word “verdict” comes from the Latin “veredictum,” meaning “speaking truly.” This Latin phrase was used in ancient Rome to describe the formal announcement of a court’s decision or finding.

Usage Notes

Verdicts are often used in formal or official contexts, such as courts of law, scientific experiments, or commercial transactions. However, the term can also be used more broadly to describe any conclusion or judgment reached after careful consideration or analysis.

Cultural References

Verdicts have appeared in numerous films, books, and TV shows, often as a plot device or thematic element. Examples include the classic film “12 Angry Men,” the novel “The Verdict” by Stanley Elkin, and the TV show “Law & Order.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Verdict is in”: This phrase is often used to describe a clear or definitive conclusion.

Related Words or Phrases

• Ruling
• Decision
• Finding
• Conclusion

Collocations

• Reach a verdict
• Deliver a verdict
• Override a verdict

Frequency of Use

The verb “verdict” is relatively infrequently used in everyday language, but it is commonly used in formal or official contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Vericet
• Verdit
• Verdiit