verdict

word

/ˈvɝdɪkt/
VUR-dikt
/vˈɜːdɪkt/
VUR-dikt

Definition

A verdict is an official decision about a case, especially the decision a jury makes in court. It can also mean a final judgment or opinion about something more generally.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly used in legal contexts: 'the jury's verdict', 'return a verdict', 'guilty/not guilty verdict'. In everyday English, it is also used figuratively for results or final opinions, as in 'The verdict on the new phone is positive.' Do not confuse it with 'sentence', which is the punishment given after a guilty verdict.

Example Sentences

The jury gave its verdict this morning.

basic

Everyone waited quietly for the verdict.

basic

The doctor said the test verdict was good.

basic

The verdict is in, and honestly, nobody is surprised.

natural

After a week of testing, the verdict on the app is pretty clear.

natural

We should wait for the full report before giving our verdict.

natural