judge
juhj
Judge (noun) means a public official who presides over court cases and delivers rulings. Example: “The judge listened carefully to both lawyers before making a decision.”
noun
1
A public official who presides over court cases and delivers rulings.
"The judge listened carefully to both lawyers before making a decision."
"The judge sentenced him to five years in prison."
"She was appointed as a federal judge last year."
2
A person who decides the outcome of a contest or competition.
"She was asked to be a judge at the village flower show."
"The judges tasted every cake before announcing the winner."
"The judges gave the routine a perfect score."
verb
1
To form an opinion about someone or something.
"People often judge others by the way they dress."
"Don't judge a book by its cover."
"It's hard to judge how well the plan will work until we try it."
2
To rule on legally, or to decide the outcome of a competition.
"A referee will judge whether the goal should count."
"Who will judge the talent show at the school fete?"
"The panel will judge the cooking contest this weekend."
How to use judge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who decides rulings or outcomes; or the act of forming an opinion, sometimes critically.
Common mistake
In everyday use, "don't judge me" means "don't criticize or think badly of me" — a more casual sense than the formal legal or competition meaning.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
judge a case
judge a competition
judge someone harshly
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Word forms
- Plural
- judges
- Third person singular
- judges
- Past tense
- judged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ listened carefully to both lawyers before making a decision.
Etymology
From Old French juge, from Latin iudex.
Synonyms
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magistrate
adjudicator
arbiter
jurist
evaluator
try
estimate
approximate
evaluate
adjudicate
pronounce
gauge
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for judge
See all rhymes for judge →Frequently asked questions
What does “judge” mean?
The word “judge” means a public official who presides over court cases and delivers rulings. In plain terms, someone who decides rulings or outcomes; or the act of forming an opinion, sometimes critically.
How do you pronounce “judge”?
“Judge” is pronounced juhj (/d͡ʒʌd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “judge” in a sentence?
Here is “judge” used in a sentence: “The judge sentenced him to five years in prison.”
What is another word for “judge”?
Words with a similar meaning to “judge” include doomsman, judg, justice, justiciar, justicer and justiciary.
What is the opposite of “judge”?
The opposite of “judge” — its antonyms — is nonjudge.
What part of speech is “judge”?
Depending on how it is used, “judge” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “judge” come from?
The word “judge” comes from Latin. From Old French juge, from Latin iudex.
Is “judge” a common word?
“Judge” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between a judge and a jury?
A judge is a single trained official who runs the court, decides points of law, and passes sentence. A jury is a group of ordinary citizens who listen to the evidence and decide the facts — typically whether the accused is guilty. In many trials the two roles work side by side.
What is the difference between a judge and a magistrate?
Both hear cases in court, but they differ in level. Magistrates usually handle less serious or preliminary matters, often as volunteers or with limited legal training. Judges are qualified legal professionals who preside over more serious cases and hold greater sentencing powers. The exact distinction varies between countries.
What does a judge do?
A judge presides over court cases, making sure proceedings are fair and follow the law. They rule on legal questions, guide the jury where there is one, weigh the evidence, and deliver the verdict or sentence. Above all, a judge is expected to remain impartial and independent.
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