Judgement Meaning and Definition
Judgement
Pronunciation
/ˈdʒʊdɡmənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A judgement is a formal decision or opinion, often made by a court or a person of authority, that determines the rights or responsibilities of an individual or group.
Examples
1. “The judge delivered a judgement in favour of the plaintiff.”
2. “She made a personal judgement about what was right and wrong.”
Synonyms
1. Opinion
2. Decision
Antonyms
1. Verdict
2. Ruling
Etymology
The word “judgement” originates from the Old French “jugement”, derived from the Latin “iudicium”, meaning “judgement” or “sentence”.
Additional Information
Judgement is a critical thinking process that involves evaluating evidence and making a decision based on that evidence. It is often used in legal contexts, but also in everyday life, such as making moral or ethical decisions. A good judgement is one that is based on careful consideration and analysis of the facts.
Judgement can be influenced by various factors, including personal biases, cultural and social norms, and emotions. It is essential to remain objective and impartial when making a judgement, as a biased or uninformed judgement can lead to incorrect conclusions.
In some cases, the term “judgement” is used interchangeably with “decision”, but it is essential to distinguish between the two. A judgement implies a formal or legal decision, whereas a decision can be any choice or conclusion made by an individual.
Usage Notes
Judgement is typically used in formal or written contexts, such as in legal documents, academic papers, or official statements. In informal conversations, people often use phrases like “I think” or “In my opinion” to express their judgement.
When using the word “judgement”, it is essential to consider the audience and the context. For example, in a formal legal setting, the term “judgement” is more suitable than in an informal conversation.
Cultural References
Judgement has been a significant theme in literature, art, and music throughout history. For example, the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee explores the concept of judgement in a small town during the 1930s.
The term “judgement” has also been referenced in popular culture, such as in movies, TV shows, and music. For instance, the phrase “Judgement Day” has been used in various contexts, including science fiction and apocalyptic scenarios.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Judgement day”
2. “Pass judgement on”
3. “Make a judgement call”
Collocations
1. “Judgement and justice”
2. “Sound judgement”
3. “Bad judgement”
Frequency of Use
The word “judgement” is commonly used in formal and written contexts, particularly in legal, academic, and professional settings.
According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “judgement” appears in approximately 1.5% of all written texts.
Common Misspellings
1. Judgement (incorrect use of “g” instead of “j”)
2. Judgemental (adds an unnecessary suffix)
3. Giudgment (incorrect use of “i” instead of “j”)