verdict
//ˈvɜːrdɪkt//
Translation
verdict
Definition
A verdict is the formal decision or judgment made by a jury or judge at the end of a trial, determining whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty. In a broader sense, it can also refer to any authoritative or official decision or opinion reached after careful consideration, such as in a competition, review, or evaluation. The term is most commonly used in legal contexts, where the verdict is the culmination of the trial process and can be either 'guilty' or 'not guilty' in criminal cases, or a finding for one party in civil cases. Outside of law, 'verdict' is often used metaphorically to describe the outcome of an assessment, like a critic's verdict on a film or a public verdict on a political issue.
Example
“The jury delivered a verdict of not guilty after three hours of deliberation.”
“The judge's verdict was final and could not be appealed.”
“After months of debate, the committee's verdict was to reject the proposal.”
“The public's verdict on the new policy has been overwhelmingly negative.”
“The critic's verdict was that the film was a masterpiece.”
“The verdict in the high-profile case was broadcast live on television.”
“She awaited the doctor's verdict on her test results with anxiety.”
“The historical verdict of the court changed the course of the nation's laws.”
“In the end, the voters' verdict was clear: they wanted change.”
“The jury's verdict was unanimous, leaving no room for doubt.”
Synonyms