Judge: meaning, definitions and examples

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judge

[dʒʌdʒ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in court

A public official appointed to decide cases in a court of law, typically with a jury.

Synonyms

arbiter, justice, magistrate, referee.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
judge	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.
magistrate	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.
justice	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.
arbiter	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.
referee	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.

Examples of usage

The judge handed down a sentence of 10 years in prison.
The judge listened carefully to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

form an opinion

Form an opinion or conclusion about.

Synonyms

assess, conclude, determine, evaluate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
judge	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.
assess	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.
evaluate	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.
determine	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.
conclude	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.

Examples of usage

It is not for us to judge whether she is guilty or innocent.
You shouldn't judge someone based on their appearance.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Latin 'judex', meaning 'to lead or to decide'.
Ancient Egyptians had judges as early as 3000 BC, playing a vital role in the legal system.
In medieval England, judges were often local lords who decided cases based on their own interpretations of laws.

Legal System

Judges ensure that trials are fair and uphold the law, maintaining the balance of justice in society.
In many countries, judges can be appointed or elected, reflecting different democratic processes.
A judge's decision in a case can set a precedent, influencing future court rulings.

Pop Culture

Judges are often depicted in movies and television as stern figures, but they can also show empathy and understanding.
Popular reality shows like 'American Idol' use judges to critique performances, illustrating decision-making outside the courtroom.
In literature, characters such as Judge Holden from 'Blood Meridian' represent complex themes of morality and power.

Psychology

Judicial decisions are often influenced by cognitive biases, which can affect a judge's impartiality.
Research shows that judges’ moods or even the time of day can impact their rulings, highlighting the human element in the profession.
Understanding how to judge is linked to critical thinking skills, helping individuals assess situations and make informed choices.

Education

Judges often have extensive education in law, usually requiring a law degree and significant training.
In many countries, aspiring judges must pass rigorous exams to ensure they understand legal principles.
Judicial training programs focus not only on law but also on ethics, conflict resolution, and public speaking.

Translations

Translations of the word "judge" in other languages:

🇵🇹 juiz

🇮🇳 न्यायाधीश

🇩🇪 Richter

🇮🇩 hakim

🇺🇦 суддя

🇵🇱 sędzia

🇯🇵 裁判官 (さいばんかん)

🇫🇷 juge

🇪🇸 juez

🇹🇷 hakim

🇰🇷 판사 (pansa)

🇸🇦 قاضي

🇨🇿 soudce

🇸🇰 sudca

🇨🇳 法官 (fǎguān)

🇸🇮 sodnik

🇮🇸 dómari

🇰🇿 судья

🇬🇪 მოსამართლე

🇦🇿 hakim

🇲🇽 juez

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,202, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

...
1199 spring
1200 employee
1201 army
1202 judge
1203 relating
1204 quickly
1205 appearance
...