magistrate
Magistrate (noun) means a judicial officer with limited authority who hears minor civil or criminal cases. Example: “The case was heard by a local magistrate rather than going to a full trial.”
How to use magistrate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA judge who handles lower-level court cases, or historically, a senior government official.
Word forms
magistrates plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The case was heard by a local _____ rather than going to a full trial.
Etymology
From Latin magistratus, related to magister ("master").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for magistrate
See all rhymes for magistrate →Frequently asked questions
What does “magistrate” mean?
The word “magistrate” means a judicial officer with limited authority who hears minor civil or criminal cases. In plain terms, a judge who handles lower-level court cases, or historically, a senior government official.
How do you pronounce “magistrate”?
“Magistrate” is pronounced MAJ-ih-strayt (/ˈmæd͡ʒ.ɪˌstɹeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “magistrate” in a sentence?
Here is “magistrate” used in a sentence: “The case was heard by a local magistrate rather than going to a full trial.”
What part of speech is “magistrate”?
“Magistrate” is a noun.
Where does the word “magistrate” come from?
The word “magistrate” comes from Latin. From Latin magistratus, related to magister ("master").
Is “magistrate” a common word?
“Magistrate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “magistrate” have?
“Magistrate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a judicial officer with limited authority who hears minor civil or criminal cases.
What is the difference between a magistrate and a judge?
A magistrate is a judicial officer with limited authority who typically hears minor civil or criminal cases, while a judge often has broader authority to preside over more serious or complex cases. In many systems, magistrates handle lower-level proceedings that free up judges for more significant matters.
What kinds of cases does a magistrate typically hear?
A magistrate typically hears minor civil or criminal cases, such as small claims, traffic violations, or preliminary hearings. Their authority is generally limited compared to higher courts.
Does magistrate always refer to a judicial role?
Not always. Historically, and in some modern systems, magistrate can also refer to a senior civil official in a state or municipality, rather than strictly a judicial officer. The specific meaning depends on the legal or historical context.