Judicious: Meaning, Usage & Examples Explained

Meaning 1：wise and thoughtful in decisions (judicious)

judicious 🔊

/dʒuˈdɪʃəs/

adj.

Showing wisdom and careful thought in making decisions or choices.

Judicious meaning illustrated: person thoughtfully examining options with a magnifying glass

wise and thoughtful in decisions 🔊

➕

/waɪz ənd ˈθɔːtfəl ɪn dɪˈsɪʒənz/

adj.

Describes the quality of making choices with wisdom and careful consideration, leading to sound outcomes.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'judicium' meaning judgment, with root 'jud-' related to judging.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a judge making a wise decision – judicious means showing good judgment.

📖 Example

The teacher made a judicious choice in assigning group projects, pairing students with complementary skills to help them learn from each other. 🔊 The teacher wisely paired students with complementary skills for group projects to promote mutual learning.

🔗 Collocations

judicious use – wise and careful application of something

judicious decision – a choice made with good judgment and forethought

judicious selection – carefully chosen based on wisdom and consideration

🔄 Synonyms

prudent (adj.) – acting with or showing care for the future; cautious and sensible

wise (adj.) – having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment

sagacious (adj.) – having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; insightful

🚫 Antonyms

imprudent (adj.) – not showing care for the consequences of an action; reckless

foolish (adj.) – lacking good sense or judgment; unwise

rash (adj.) – acting without careful consideration; hasty and impulsive

🌱 Derivatives

judiciously (adv.) – in a manner that shows good judgment and careful thought

judiciousness (n.) – the quality of being judicious; wisdom in decision-making

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'judicium' via French, entering English in the 16th century. Historically used in legal contexts to denote wise decision-making, now common in formal and academic writing.