English is a universally spoken language and with the varying regions, come different dialects that confuse even proficient writers. One such pair of words is judgement vs judgment.
| Judgment | Judgement | |
| Spelling | US | Australia |
| Meaning | Refers to the process of forming an opinion or decision. | Also refers to the process of forming an opinion or decision. |
| Examples | The judge delivered her final judgment in the case. His judgment about the matter was questioned by many. | She relied on her own moral judgement in the situation. The committee’s judgement was based on careful analysis. |
Difference Between Judgement Vs Judgment
The primary difference between “judgement” and “judgment” lies in their regional preferences. Here’s a breakdown for clarity:
- American English: “Judgment” reigns supreme. It’s the standard and widely accepted spelling across all contexts, formal and informal.
- Australian English: “Judgement” takes centre stage. This is the preferred spelling for most situations. However, there’s a twist…
The Legal Loophole: Interestingly, in British legal contexts, “judgment” becomes the favoured choice. This aligns with the spelling preferences used in American legal settings. Style guides like the Oxford Guide to Style reinforce this practice.
Other Contexts
While mastering the regional differences is key, here are some additional tips to elevate your usage:
- Formal vs. Informal: For formal writing, both “judgment” and “judgement” (depending on your audience) are generally appropriate. In informal settings, “judgment” might feel slightly more natural, especially in American English.
- Judgemental vs judgmental:
She was accused of being judgmental about her friend’s lifestyle choices.
She didn’t appreciate his judgemental attitude towards her decisions.
- Synonyms: If you seek variety, consider synonyms like “decision,” “opinion,” “verdict,” “assessment,” or “evaluation,” depending on the context.
- Clarity is King: Always prioritise clarity. If you are unsure which spelling to use, “judgment” is a safe bet for most situations.
Meaning
Both “judgement” and “judgment” share the same core meaning. They refer to:
- The act of forming an opinion or making a decision.
“The manager used her sound judgement to choose the best candidate for the role.”
- The capacity to judge well.
“He was known for his wisdom and excellent judgement.”
- A formal legal decision.
“The jury delivered their judgement after a long deliberation.”
- Punishment or retribution.
“The criminal received a harsh judgement for his actions.”
- A critical evaluation.
“The art critic offered a scathing judgement of the new exhibition.”
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Examples Of Judgement Vs Judgment
| Judgment | Judgement |
|---|---|
| The judge’s judgment was fair and impartial. | She trusted her own judgement when making the decision. |
| It’s not wise to pass judgment without knowing the facts. | The moral judgement of the society has shifted over time. |
| His business judgment led to a successful venture. | The committee reached a collective judgement on the matter. |
| He didn’t want to appear judgmental in front of his colleagues. | Being too judgemental can strain relationships. |
| Using good judgment, she avoided a potential disaster. | The teacher’s judgement of the student’s behaviour was positive. |
| Legal judgments are based on evidence and precedent. | The jury’s judgement was unanimous in the case. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Both “judgment” and “judgement” are correct spellings, but their usage depends on the regional variation. “Judgment” is preferred in American English, while “judgement” is more commonly used in Australian English. However, both forms are widely understood and convey the same meaning of forming an opinion or decision.
The dropping of the “e” in “judgment” aligns with American English spelling simplifications, aiming for phonetic consistency. This change was likely influenced by Noah Webster’s efforts to standardise American English spelling in the early 19th century, emphasising efficiency and uniformity in language usage.
In the Oxford English Dictionary, “judgement” is defined as the process of forming an opinion or decision about something after careful consideration. It encompasses both rational assessment and subjective evaluation. The term can also refer to the ability to make considered decisions or discernment in various contexts.
In British English, the word “judgment” is typically spelled with an additional “e,” resulting in “judgement.” This spelling variation maintains consistency with other words ending in “-ment” and aligns with traditional British English conventions. However, both “judgment” and “judgement” are considered correct spellings in British English.
