verdict
VUR-dihkt
Verdict (noun) means a jury's or judge's formal decision on a case. Example: “Everyone in the courtroom waited quietly as the judge delivered the verdict.”
noun
1
A jury's or judge's formal decision on a case.
"Everyone in the courtroom waited quietly as the judge delivered the verdict."
"The jury returned a verdict of not guilty."
"It took the jurors three days to reach a verdict."
2
More generally, a considered judgment or opinion on something.
"My verdict on the film is that it was long but worth watching."
"The neighbours' verdict was that the new garden looked lovely."
"The critic's verdict on the new restaurant was mixed."
How to use verdict
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn official decision in a trial, or informally, someone's final opinion or conclusion.
Common pairings
reach a verdict
guilty verdict
deliver a verdict
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Word forms
- Plural
- verdicts
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Everyone in the courtroom waited quietly as the judge delivered the _____.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman verdit, blending words meaning "true" and "saying" — literally "a true statement."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “verdict” mean?
The word “verdict” means a jury's or judge's formal decision on a case. In plain terms, an official decision in a trial, or informally, someone's final opinion or conclusion.
How do you pronounce “verdict”?
“Verdict” is pronounced VUR-dihkt (/ˈvɝ.dɪkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “verdict” in a sentence?
Here is “verdict” used in a sentence: “The jury returned a verdict of not guilty.”
What part of speech is “verdict”?
“Verdict” is a noun.
Where does the word “verdict” come from?
The word “verdict” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman verdit, blending words meaning "true" and "saying" — literally "a true statement.".
Is “verdict” a common word?
“Verdict” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “verdict” have?
“Verdict” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a jury's or judge's formal decision on a case.
What is the difference between a verdict and a sentence?
A verdict is the formal decision on the case itself, such as guilty or not guilty, while a sentence is the punishment handed down after a guilty verdict. The jury or judge delivers the verdict; the judge then decides the sentence.
What is the difference between a verdict and a judgment?
In legal use, a verdict is the finding on the facts of a case, classically returned by a jury, while a judgment is the court's formal, binding resolution of the whole matter. In everyday English the words blur, and verdict often just means a considered opinion, as in "my verdict on the film."
Do you reach, return, or deliver a verdict?
All three collocations are standard: a jury reaches a verdict during deliberation, returns it to the court, and the verdict is then delivered or announced. "Reach a verdict" is the most common phrasing in general writing.
Can verdict be used outside a courtroom?
Yes. Beyond a jury's or judge's formal decision, verdict commonly means any considered judgment or opinion, as in "the critics' verdict was unanimous." This extended use is fully standard in reviews, sport, and everyday conversation.
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