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Verdict Definition, Usage, and Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：court decision (verdict)
verdict
/ˈvɜːrdɪkt/
n.
the official decision made by a judge or jury in a court case, deciding if someone is guilty or not.
court decision
➕
/kɔːrt dɪˈsɪʒən/
n.
The formal, binding judgment or finding issued by a judge or jury in a legal proceeding, determining the guilt or innocence of a defendant.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'verus' (true) + 'dictum' (saying). It literally means 'a true saying'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: The judge's VERY TRUE DICTation ('ver-dict') ended the trial. VER = very true, DICT = spoken/dictated.
📖 Example
After three days of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of "not guilty."
After three days of discussion, the jury announced their official decision of "not guilty."
🔗 Collocations
reach a verdict – To come to a final decision after deliberation.
guilty verdict – A decision that the defendant is legally responsible for the crime.
unanimous verdict – A decision agreed upon by all members of the jury.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
acquittal (n.) – A judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime they were charged with.
conviction (n.) – A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense; the opposite outcome of a not guilty verdict.
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Latin 'veredictum', it entered English via Anglo-Norman after the Norman Conquest. It has always been central to the legal system, signifying the formal pronouncement of truth. Today, its usage extends to any authoritative conclusion, from restaurant reviews to business analyses.
Meaning 2：final judgment (verdict)
verdict
/ˈvɜːrdɪkt/
n.
a final decision or judgement made about something, especially after thinking about it carefully.
final judgment
➕
/ˈfaɪnl ˈdʒʌdʒmənt/
n.
A considered opinion or decisive conclusion formed about something after evaluation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The famous food critic's verdict on the new restaurant was: "It's the best pizza in town."
The renowned food critic's final judgment about the new restaurant was: "It's the best pizza in town."
🔗 Collocations
deliver a verdict – To state one's final opinion or conclusion publicly.
positive verdict – A favorable or approving conclusion.
critical verdict – A judgment that involves careful analysis and evaluation, often pointing out flaws.
🔄 Synonyms
conclusion (n.) – A judgment or decision reached after consideration.
assessment (n.) – An evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something.
opinion (n.) – A view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
🚫 Antonyms
doubt (n.) – A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.
uncertainty (n.) – The state of being unsure or not having a definite conclusion.
Wordbook
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