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Meaning & use

judgmental

adjective·Everydaydisapproving

Last updated

UK/dʒʌdʒˈmentl/
US/dʒʌdʒˈmentl/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparabledisapproving

    Quick to form harsh opinions about other people and to criticize them.

    Grammar: Can follow a linking verb or stand before a noun: she is judgmental; a judgmental look.

    Patterns

    • judgmental about something
    • judgmental of someone

    Don't be so judgmental about her choices.

    He gave me a judgmental stare when I ordered dessert.

    I wanted advice, not a judgmental lecture.

  2. adjectivebefore a nounformalrare

    Relating to forming an opinion or judgment about something.

    Grammar: Formal and rare; used before a noun.

    Patterns

    • a judgmental process

    The meeting involved a judgmental process of ranking proposals.

    Her judgmental ability was respected.

    Referees rely on judgmental decisions in close calls.

Word forms

comparativemore judgmental
superlativemost judgmental

Common combinations

judgmental about
She is judgmental about other people's cooking.
judgmental tone
His judgmental tone upset them.
judgmental attitude
A judgmental attitude makes friendship hard.
feel judgmental
I felt judgmental after hearing the story.
non-judgmental
The counselor was kind and non-judgmental.

Synonyms and how they differ

critical
Critical may mean careful evaluation, but judgmental implies unfair harshness.
disapproving
Disapproving describes showing dislike, while judgmental describes a habit of condemning people.
censorious
Censorious is more formal and stronger than judgmental.
self-righteous
Self-righteous adds the idea that you think you are better than others.

Opposites

tolerantopen-mindedaccepting

Word family

judgment noun
an opinion or decision
judge verb
to form an opinion about
judgmentally adverb
in a harsh, critical way
non-judgmental adjective
not criticizing people

Commonly confused: judgmental or judicial?

judgmental vs judicial

Judicial relates to courts and judges, but judgmental is about harsh personal opinions.

Practice

Maya hesitated to tell her friend because she feared a ___ reaction.

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