judgment

[ 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. Judgment. Theology. Last Judgment ( def ).

Judgment

¹

/ 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

judgment

²

/ 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. against one's better judgment
   contrary to a more appropriate or preferred course of action
9. sit in judgment
   1. to preside as judge
   2. to assume the position of critic
10. in someone's judgment
    in someone's opinion

Other Words From

• inter·judgment noun
• re·judgment 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

Rick Hess, an education expert with the conservative American Enterprise Institute, said he also was not familiar with McMahon but cautioned against quick judgments.

From Los Angeles Times

In a letter to parishioners last year, Mr Gigantiello said allowing Carpenter to film inside the church was a "lapse in judgment".

From BBC

James Sample, a professor of constitutional law at Hofstra University, agreed that the issue of “respecting the presidency” would be central to Merchan’s judgment but added that he must also balance “respecting a jury verdict.”

From Salon

Because of skyrocketing liability payouts, which also stem from cases involving employment matters and police use of force and negligence, the city is considering borrowing $80 million to pay off some judgments and settlements.

From Los Angeles Times

“I don’t think we should outsource our judgments about the most important things to whatever a given rating agency happens to measure,” he said, according to a publicly available recording of the meeting.

From New York Times

Related Words

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