Judgement Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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judgement
[ˈdʒʌdʒmənt ]
Definitions
legal
The ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions.
Synonyms
discernment, perception, wisdom.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| judgement |
Can also refer to one's personal opinion or attitude about something.
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| discernment |
Refers to the ability to judge well or the skill in recognizing and understanding differences, especially in a subtle or nuanced way.
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| perception |
Used when discussing awareness, understanding, or interpretation of sensory information or social/psychological situations.
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| wisdom |
Refers to deep knowledge, good sense, or the ability to make sound decisions, often accumulated through experience.
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Examples of usage
- She is known for her fair judgement in court cases.
- His judgement was clouded by personal bias.
general
An opinion or decision that is based on careful thought.
Synonyms
assessment, evaluation, interpretation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| judgement |
Typically used to describe the ability to make considered decisions, often reflecting a moral or legal standpoint. It can have a formal or authoritative tone.
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| assessment |
Used mainly in educational, professional, or analytic contexts to describe the act of evaluating or estimating the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something.
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| evaluation |
Often used in academic, professional, or scientific settings to systematically determine the value or significance of a subject. It is more thorough and structured than an assessment.
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| interpretation |
Used when explaining or understanding the meaning of something, such as data, texts, or art. It can imply a degree of subjectivity.
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Examples of usage
- I trust your judgement on this matter.
- We need to use our own judgement when making choices.
psychology
The mental ability to assess situations or circumstances shrewdly and to draw sound conclusions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| judgement |
Use when talking about someone's ability to make informed and wise decisions, especially in a moral or legal context. It can also refer to the final decision made by a court or tribunal.
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| acumen |
Best used to describe someone’s sharpness or keenness in a particular field, often related to business, politics, or other specialized areas.
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| intuition |
Use when mentioning the ability to understand or know something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning, often described as a 'gut feeling.'
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| insight |
Ideal for situations where referring to a deep understanding or the ability to see the true nature of something, especially in complex or abstract scenarios.
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Examples of usage
- Her judgement of character is impeccable.
- He showed good judgement by avoiding the risky investment.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Cognitive biases can significantly affect our judgement, leading us to make decisions that are not always logical.
- Emotional states can cloud judgement; for example, feeling sad might lead to more negative evaluations of situations.
- The Dunning-Kruger effect suggests that people with low ability at a task often overestimate their competence, affecting their judgement.
Law
- In legal terms, a judgement is a decision made by a court regarding the rights and liabilities of parties in a legal case.
- Judgement can vary based on jurisdiction, meaning what’s considered a fair decision in one place may not be viewed the same elsewhere.
- Judicial judgement often involves interpretation of laws and past case rulings to arrive at a fair outcome.
Philosophy
- philosophers debate the concept of moral judgement, questioning whether it’s subjective or has universal truths.
- Immanuel Kant argued that moral judgement should be guided by reason, rather than personal feelings or societal norms.
- The Trolley problem is a classic thought experiment used in philosophy to explore complex moral judgements.
Art and Literature
- In literature, characters often face moral dilemmas that challenge their judgement, revealing their true nature.
- Judgement is a recurring theme in many famous artworks, symbolizing the struggle between right and wrong.
- The 'Judgement of Solomon' story highlights wisdom in judgement and has influenced countless artistic representations.
Origin of 'judgement'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'jugement', which means the action or process of judging.
- Its roots trace back to the Latin word 'judicium', meaning 'a judgment or decision'.
- In Middle English, it evolved to refer to both the act of judging and the result of that act.
The word 'judgement' comes from the Old French 'jugement', which is derived from the Latin 'judicium', meaning 'judgment' or 'decision'. The concept of judgement has been a fundamental aspect of human cognition and society for centuries, playing a crucial role in legal systems, personal relationships, and everyday decision-making.
See also: adjudge, adjudicate, injudicious, judgable, judgeable, judges, judging, judgment, judgmental, judgmentally, judicial, judiciary, judicious, judiciously, judiciousness, misjudge, misjudgment, prejudge, prejudgment.