judicious
joo-DISH-uhs
/dʒuːˈdɪʃəs/
Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense.
Suggests wisdom, caution, and practical intelligence, particularly in avoiding unnecessary risks or waste.
The story behind the word. Like adjudicate, judicious traces back to the Latin iudex. However, while adjudicate stayed locked in the courtroom, judicious escaped into everyday language in the late 16th century to describe anyone who acts with the careful, balanced wisdom expected of an ideal judge.
Word relationships
- prudent: 'Prudent' strongly emphasizes caution and avoiding danger, while 'judicious' emphasizes balanced, analytical intelligence.
- wise: 'Wise' is a broad, spiritual, or life-experience term, whereas 'judicious' is more clinical, practical, and decision-oriented.
- imprudent: 'Imprudent' means lacking caution or wisdom, showing a disregard for consequences.
- foolhardy: 'Foolhardy' means recklessly bold or rash.
Commonly confused with
- judicial: 'Judicial' relates strictly to a court of law or a judge (e.g., the judicial branch), while 'judicious' means showing good common sense and wisdom in any context.
Word family
- judiciously (adverb): In a way that shows good judgment or sense.
- judiciousness (noun): The quality of showing good judgment; prudence.
Collocations
- judicious use
- judicious choice
- judicious planning
Idioms & expressions
- discretion is the better part of valor
Example sentences
- "A judicious use of the company's reserve funds saved them from bankruptcy during the economic downturn." A financial advisor recommending a safe investment strategy.
- "He made a judicious choice of words, avoiding any phrase that might provoke his volatile host." A classic literary observation on human behavior.
Memory hook
Think of a 'judge' who is 'judicious' because they make fair, sensible, and wise decisions. Judicious like a good judge.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a decision that is merely correct by luck; it must show evidence of careful thought and wisdom.
Fun facts
- In the culinary world, chefs often talk about the 'judicious use of salt'—meaning just enough to bring out flavor, but not so much that it ruins the dish.
Related words
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.