verdict

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.

“Verdict” is pronounced VUR-dihkt (/ˈvɝ.dɪkt/ in IPA).

Here is “verdict” used in a sentence: “The jury returned a verdict of not guilty.”

“Verdict” is a noun.

The word “verdict” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman verdit, blending words meaning "true" and "saying" — literally "a true statement.".

“Verdict” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

“Verdict” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a jury's or judge's formal decision on a case.

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.

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."

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.

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.