pass judgement

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   to form or express an opinion about someone or something, often critically

   Grammar: Often followed by 'on' or 'upon' someone or something.

   Patterns

   • pass judgement on someone
   • pass judgement upon something
   • pass judgement about something

   It's not fair to pass judgement on people you don't know.

   The media often passes judgement on celebrities' private lives.

   She refused to pass judgement until she had heard all the facts.

2. 2phrasefixed phraselegal

   to make a formal decision in a court of law

   Grammar: Used in legal contexts; often followed by 'on' a case.

   Patterns

   • pass judgement on a case
   • pass judgement in court

   The judge will pass judgement on the case next week.

   The court passed judgement after hearing all the evidence.

Common combinations

pass judgement on someone

Try not to pass judgement on him before you know the whole story.

pass judgement on something

The critics passed judgement on the new film.

quick to pass judgement

He is quick to pass judgement on others.

Synonyms and how they differ

judge

Judge is a verb that can be used in many contexts; pass judgement is more formal and often suggests a critical opinion.

criticize

Criticize focuses on pointing out faults; pass judgement can be neutral or critical.

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “pass judgement”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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