noun / verb

judge

An official who decides legal cases, or to make a judgment about something.

The judge listens to both sides before deciding the case.

Etymology

The Latin title names a person who decides legal matters. The English noun preserves that office, while the verb names performing a comparable act of evaluation.

More examples

  • It is hard to judge the distance in this fog.
  • Don't judge people by their clothes.
  • The panel judged each design on its safety and cost.

Forms

judge · judges · judged · judging

judgment noun — An opinion or decision reached after consideration.

Similar words

magistrate
A judicial official whose authority often covers less serious cases.
evaluate
Emphasizes careful assessment of quality, value, or performance.