verdict
VUR-dikt
/ˈvɜːrdɪkt/
A decision on a disputed issue in a civil or criminal case or an inquest; an opinion or judgment.
While primarily legal, it is often used metaphorically for any final opinion or conclusion.
The story behind the word. From the Anglo-Norman 'verdit', which comes from the Latin 'vere' (truly) and 'dictum' (said). It literally means 'to say the truth'.
Word relationships
- judgment: Judgment is broader; a verdict is specifically the finding of a jury.
- ruling: A ruling is usually made by a judge, while a verdict is usually made by a jury.
Commonly confused with
- sentence: The verdict is the 'guilty/not guilty' decision; the sentence is the punishment that follows.
Collocations
- reach a verdict
- deliver a verdict
- guilty verdict
Example sentences
- "The jury has reached a verdict of not guilty after three days of deliberation." A standard news report on a court case.
- "So, what is your verdict on the new restaurant in town?" A casual opinion on a new movie.
Memory hook
A 'Verdict' is a 'Very' important 'Dictation' (saying). A true saying.
When not to use
Avoid using it for a preliminary thought; a verdict is final.
Fun facts
- In some legal systems, if a jury cannot reach a verdict, it is called a 'hung jury'.
Explore more words
jury, conviction, trial, adjudicate, indict, judge
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