judgment

especially British, judge·ment

[juhj-muhnt]

noun

1. an act or instance of judging.

   Synonyms: determination

2. the ability to judge, make a decision, or form an opinion objectively, authoritatively, and wisely, especially in matters affecting action; good sense; discretion.

   a man of sound judgment.

   Synonyms: prudence, intelligence, wisdom, sagacity, perspicacity, discernment, discrimination

3. the demonstration or exercise of such ability or capacity.

   The major was decorated for the judgment he showed under fire.

4. the forming of an opinion, estimate, notion, or conclusion, as from circumstances presented to the mind.

   Our judgment as to the cause of his failure must rest on the evidence.

5. the opinion formed.

   He regretted his hasty judgment.

6. Law.

   1. a judicial decision given by a judge or court.

   2. the obligation, especially a debt, arising from a judicial decision.

   3. the certificate embodying such a decision and issued against the obligor, especially a debtor.

7. a misfortune regarded as inflicted by divine sentence, as for sin.

8. Theology.,  Judgment. Last Judgment.

judgment

¹

/ ˈdʒʌdʒmənt /

noun

1. the faculty of being able to make critical distinctions and achieve a balanced viewpoint; discernment

2. 1. the decision or verdict pronounced by a court of law

   2. an obligation arising as a result of such a decision or verdict, such as a debt

   3. the document recording such a decision or verdict

   4. ( as modifier )

      a judgment debtor

3. the formal decision of one or more judges at a contest or competition

4. a particular decision or opinion formed in a case in dispute or doubt

5. an estimation

   a good judgment of distance

6. criticism or censure

7. logic

   1. the act of establishing a relation between two or more terms, esp as an affirmation or denial

   2. the expression of such a relation

8. contrary to a more appropriate or preferred course of action

9. 1. to preside as judge

   2. to assume the position of critic

10. in someone's opinion

Judgment

²

/ ˈdʒʌdʒmənt /

noun

1. the estimate by God of the ultimate worthiness or unworthiness of the individual (the Particular Judgment ) or of all mankind (the General Judgment or Last Judgment )

2. God's subsequent decision determining the final destinies of all individuals

Other Word Forms

• interjudgment noun
• rejudgment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of judgment¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English jug(g)ement, from Old French jugement, from juge- (stem of jugier “to judge”; judge ) + -ment -ment

Idioms and Phrases

see against one's better judgment; snap judgment.

Example Sentences

"It must be emphasised that the EUR commissioning position is there to guide clinicians who must continue to exercise their professional judgment in providing appropriate, timely care," a spokesperson added.

Read more on BBC

"The judgment… imposes very far reaching, but also open ended and obscure obligations on member states," argues Prof Ekins.

Read more on BBC

All around, a sad display of more haste than good judgment.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Whether courts can review the president’s judgment at all is a matter that splits even some of the president’s most conservative judicial picks from his current Justice Department attorneys.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And Maggie has lost her medical license due to a hiccup of bad judgment on her part.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• analysis 
• appraisal 
• assessment 
• award 
• belief 
• conclusion 
• conviction 
• decree 
• determination 
• evaluation 
• finding 
• idea 
• inquiry 
• observation 
• opinion 
• order 
• resolution 
• result 
• review 
• ruling