adjudicate
to make a formal judgment on a disputed matter
In more detail
1. (verb) to make an official decision or judgment about a disputed matter
2. (verb) to act as a judge or umpire in a competition or conflict
Examples
- 1. The court will adjudicate the dispute between the two companies.
- 2. An experienced referee will adjudicate the boxing match.
How to use adjudicate
Adjudicate is a formal verb used primarily in legal, administrative, or competitive contexts to describe the act of making an official or authoritative judgment. It carries more formality and procedural weight than the simpler verb 'judge' and typically implies a structured process with proper authority. It is commonly used in law, sports, and institutional settings.
Common phrases
- adjudicate a dispute
- adjudicate between parties
- adjudicate a competition
- adjudicate on a matter
- adjudicate claims
Synonyms
judge · rule · decide · arbitrate · settle
Word family
adjudication (noun) · adjudicator (noun) · adjudicated (past tense) · adjudicating (present participle)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use adjudicate as a noun (e.g., 'the adjudicate') when they should use 'adjudicator' or 'judge' for the person making the decision.
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