judgment

An opinion or decision you reach after considering something.

• That was a fair judgment.
• Don’t make judgments based on appearance.
• Have you changed your judgment of his work?

How to use it: judgment about/on something (It is too early to make a judgment about the results.)

Similar words: opinion, assessment, decision

Common phrases: make a judgment, personal judgment, hasty judgment, fair judgment

The ability to make sensible choices after thinking carefully.

• I trust your judgment.
• She showed good judgment during the emergency.
• His lack of judgment put everyone at risk.

Similar words: good sense, discernment

Common phrases: good judgment, sound judgment, use judgment

An official decision made by a court.

• The court announced its judgment.
• They appealed the judgment last week.
• The judgment requires him to repay the money.

How to use it: judgment against someone (The court issued a judgment against the company.); judgment in favor of someone (The judge gave judgment in favor of the tenant.)

Similar words: ruling, decision

Common phrases: court judgment, deliver judgment, appeal a judgment

The act of considering someone or something and deciding how good, right, or suitable they are.

• Please reserve judgment for now.
• Careful judgment takes time.
• Their work is awaiting judgment by an independent panel.

How to use it: pass judgment on someone/something (We should not pass judgment on her without hearing her story.)

Similar words: assessment, evaluation, appraisal

Common phrases: pass judgment, reserve judgment, suspend judgment