Reading Theme:
Judgment: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：opinion or conclusion (judgment)
judgment
/ˈdʒʌdʒ.mənt/
n.
Your opinion about something, or your conclusion based on what you know.
opinion or conclusion
➕
/əˈpɪnjən ɔːr kənˈkluːʒən/
n.
A view, belief, or decision formed about something based on available information.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'judge' (to form an opinion) + '-ment' (noun-forming suffix indicating action or result).
💡 Mnemonic
A judge makes a judgment. Link 'judge' + 'ment' (as in 'statement') = a judge's statement or decision.
📖 Example
I trust her judgment on fashion, so I always ask her what to buy.
I have confidence in her fashion opinions, therefore I consistently seek her advice on purchases.
🔗 Collocations
good judgment – the ability to make wise or correct decisions
form a judgment – to come to a decision or opinion
exercise judgment – to use one's ability to decide carefully
🔄 Synonyms
opinion (n.) – A personal view or belief about something.
assessment (n.) – An evaluation or estimation of the nature or quality of something.
verdict (n.) – A formal decision or judgment on a matter.
🚫 Antonyms
indecision (n.) – The inability to make a decision or form an opinion.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'judicare' ('to judge'), via Old French 'jugement'. It entered English with the Norman Conquest, solidifying its place in legal and common discourse, reflecting the act of forming a considered opinion.
Meaning 2：decision-making ability (judgment)
judgment
/ˈdʒʌdʒ.mənt/
n.
The ability to make good decisions after careful thought.
decision-making ability
➕
/dɪˈsɪʒən ˌmeɪkɪŋ əˈbɪləti/
n.
The capacity to think clearly and make sensible choices, especially in critical situations.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Driving in heavy rain requires excellent judgment and quick reactions.
Operating a vehicle during intense rainfall demands superb decision-making skills and fast reflexes.
🔗 Collocations
sound judgment – good and reliable decision-making ability
lack of judgment – a deficiency in the ability to make good decisions
use your judgment – to apply your own ability to decide what is best
🔄 Synonyms
discernment (n.) – The ability to judge well, especially in matters of taste or quality.
prudence (n.) – The quality of being careful and sensible, avoiding unnecessary risks.
wisdom (n.) – The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
🚫 Antonyms
imprudence (n.) – Lack of caution or good judgment; recklessness.
folly (n.) – Lack of good sense; foolishness.
Meaning 3：court ruling (judgment)
judgment
/ˈdʒʌdʒ.mənt/
n.
The official decision made by a judge or a court of law.
court ruling
➕
/kɔːrt ˈruːlɪŋ/
n.
The official and final decision or verdict given by a judge or a court in a legal case.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The court will deliver its judgment in the copyright case next week.
The legal tribunal will announce its official ruling on the copyright lawsuit next week.
🔗 Collocations
final judgment – the last and conclusive decision of a court in a case
pass judgment – to officially give a legal decision or sentence
appeal a judgment – to formally request a higher court to review and change a legal decision
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
acquittal (n.) – A judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime they were charged with.
🌱 Derivatives
judge (v./n.) – To form an opinion or conclusion about; or the official who presides over a court.
judgmental (adj.) – Having or displaying an overly critical point of view.
adjudicate (v.) – To make a formal judgment or decision about a dispute.
Wordbook
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