judicious

UK: dʒuːˈdɪʃəs | US: dʒuːˈdɪʃəs

Definition

  1. adj. showing good judgment; wise and careful in decision-making

Structure
judic <judge>ious <adjective suffix>
Etymology

judicious = judic<judge> + ious<adjective suffix>

  • judic (from Latin judex "judge," combining jus "law" + dicere "to say") → reflects legal or evaluative wisdom.
  • ious (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives) → indicates possessing the quality of the root.

Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin judicium (judgment), emphasizing the act of discernment. Over time, judicious evolved in English (late 16th century) to describe decisions grounded in sound reasoning, retaining its legal roots while broadening to general wisdom.

Examples

  1. Her judicious use of resources saved the project from failure.

  2. The judge’s judicious ruling balanced justice and mercy.

  3. A judicious investor avoids impulsive decisions.

  4. He offered judicious advice after carefully analyzing the situation.

  5. The editor’s judicious cuts improved the manuscript’s clarity.