adjudicate
uh-JOO-dih-kayt
/əˈdʒuːdɪkeɪt/
To make a formal judgment or decision about a problem or disputed matter.
Adjudicate is the most formal term, usually reserved for judges or official committees.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'adjudicare', meaning 'to grant by judgment'. It shares the same root as 'judicial' and 'judicious'.
Word relationships
- arbitrate: Arbitration is often a chosen alternative to a court; adjudication is the standard judicial process.
- hedge: To hedge is to avoid making a clear decision, while adjudicating is the act of deciding.
Commonly confused with
- judge: Judge is the general verb; adjudicate is the formal, technical term for the process.
Word family
- adjudication (noun): A formal judgment on a disputed matter.
- adjudicator (noun): A person who adjudicates.
Collocations
- adjudicate a claim
- power to adjudicate
- adjudicate a dispute
Example sentences
- "The committee will adjudicate all claims for compensation arising from the accident." Government
- "A panel of experts was flown in to adjudicate the international piano competition." Competitions
Memory hook
Adjudicate has 'judge' (judic) right in the middle of the word. Adjudicate = Official Judge.
When not to use
Do not use for informal arguments between friends.
Fun facts
- In the UK, 'adjudication' is a specific, fast-track legal process used primarily in the construction industry.
Related words
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