Judge: meaning, definitions and examples

A person officially appointed to decide cases in a court of law. This term is general and used broadly in legal contexts.

• The judge sentenced the criminal to 10 years in prison.
• She hopes to become a judge one day.

A judicial officer with limited authority to administer and enforce the law. Often used for lower courts and local jurisdictions.

• The magistrate heard the case and imposed a fine.
• She worked as a magistrate in the small town.

A judge in a higher court, such as the Supreme Court. This term is also used when referring to the concept of fairness and lawfulness.

• Justice Smith will write the opinion for the court.
• Many people are still fighting for justice and equality.

A person who has the authority to settle a dispute or provide a decision, often outside of a courtroom setting. This term is often used in formal negotiations or mediations.

• An arbiter was called in to resolve the labor dispute.
• The arbiter decided in favor of the employees.

A person appointed to act as an impartial arbitrator or judge in a non-legal context, often in sports or specialized fields.

• The referee blew the whistle to start the game.
• An independent referee was brought in to settle the disagreement.

This word is often used when forming an opinion or making a decision about something or someone, typically in a formal or authoritative context. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation if perceived as overly critical.

• It's hard to judge a book by its cover.
• The jury will judge the defendant based on the evidence presented.

Use this when you need to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something, often in a more analytical or structured context.

• We need to assess the damage caused by the storm.
• Before making a decision, it's important to assess all the options.

This term is used when you need to examine something carefully to judge its value or worth. It is commonly used in academic, business, and professional contexts.

• The teacher will evaluate the students' essays based on a rubric.
• We need to evaluate the effectiveness of our marketing campaign.

This is used when you need to establish something definitively or figure out through research, calculation, or investigation. It's often used in scientific, medical, or technical contexts.

• The scientists are trying to determine the cause of the illness.
• We need to determine the best route to take.

This word is appropriate when you need to reach a final decision or opinion after considering all the information. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts.

• After reviewing all the evidence, the committee will conclude the investigation.
• I can conclude from your words that you are unhappy with the service.