adjudicate
uh-JOO-dih-kayt
/əˈdʒuːdɪkeɪt/
To make a formal judgment or decision about a disputed matter or academic appeal.
Implies formal authority, careful review of evidence, and rendering a binding, official resolution.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'adjudicare' (to award or judge formally), the word combines 'ad-' (to) and 'judex' (a judge, literally 'one who speaks the law'). It entered legal English in the 16th century and became standard in administrative settings where formal, impartial decisions are required.
Word relationships
- arbitrate: Arbitrate often involves settling disputes between labor and management, while adjudicate carries broader judicial or formal regulatory authority.
- judge: Judge is general, while adjudicate emphasizes following an established legal or administrative procedure.
- ignore: Refusing to address or evaluate a dispute.
- defer: Postponing or handing off decision-making authority.
Commonly confused with
- advocate: To advocate is to argue in favor of someone; to adjudicate is to act as a neutral judge rendering a verdict.
Word family
- adjudication (noun): The legal or formal process of resolving a dispute.
- adjudicator (noun): A person who presides over an adjudication.
Collocations
- adjudicate disputes
- adjudicate claims
- panel to adjudicate
- power to adjudicate
Example sentences
- "The disciplinary committee was convened to adjudicate allegations of plagiarism against the graduate student." Academic integrity board
- "The provost was asked to adjudicate the jurisdictional dispute between the history and sociology departments." Administrative arbitration
Memory hook
A JUDGE acts to ADJUDICATE a judicial dispute in court. Render an official, binding judgment.
When not to use
Do not use to describe casual personal preferences, offhand decisions, or informal daily choices.
Fun facts
- In university governance, honor councils and conduct boards use 'adjudication' rather than 'trial' to emphasize administrative and educational resolution over criminal punishment.
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