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

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

From Los Angeles Times

A lawyer for the Angels said in a pretrial hearing that the plaintiffs now seek a judgment of $1 billion, although the lead attorney representing the family said the number is an exaggeration.

From Los Angeles Times

Badenoch was among several politicians, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who called for Mone to relinquish her peerage after the High Court judgment.

From BBC

Labour lawyer Patrick Deale told state media that the judgment was "a positive and expected outcome" for parental rights in the country.

From BBC

"The idea is to allow people to instantly seek help to navigate relationships because not everyone can talk to friends or family for fear of judgment," says New York-based founder Es Lee.

From BBC

Related Words

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