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

That’s the judgment of the Urban Institute, which undertook a painstaking analysis of the changes under discussion at the White House and the Social Security Administration.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If the current government gets to make these judgments, the implications for academic freedom and free speech in general are frightening.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The French bank says it will appeal the judgment and that the verdict on the three plaintiffs—who were awarded $20 million—shouldn’t have broader application, so any speculation regarding a potential settlement is wrong.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Employees work four 10-hour shifts a week and exercise zero judgment.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

What should be a refuge from judgment has turned into an incubator of division.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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