judicious
Judicious (adjective) means showing good sense and careful judgement in making a decision. Example: “A judicious choice of words kept the negotiation alive.”
How to use judicious
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSensible and carefully thought through.
Formal; common in reviews, legal and academic writing.
The phrase 'judicious use of' is the most frequent pattern, as in 'judicious use of colour'.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ choice of words kept the negotiation alive.
Etymology
Via French judicieux from Latin judicium, meaning judgement.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for judicious
See all rhymes for judicious →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between judicious and judicial?
Judicious means wise and well-judged and can describe anyone's decisions. Judicial relates specifically to law courts, judges and legal proceedings. A judge can make an injudicious judicial ruling, so the two are entirely separate.
What is the difference between judicious and prudent?
Prudent stresses caution and avoiding risk, usually about the future. Judicious stresses the quality of the reasoning itself — weighing the options well. A prudent choice is safe; a judicious one is well thought out.
What is the meaning of judicious?
"judicious" (adjective) means showing good sense and careful judgement in making a decision.
What is another word for judicious?
Other words for "judicious" include prudent, sensible, astute, well-judged, discerning.