C1adjectiveformal10K+

Judicial

UK /["/dʒuˈdɪʃl/"]/US /["/dʒuˈdɪʃl/"]/

Definition

connected with a court, a judge or legal judgement

In simple words: Related to the law or courts.

Examples

  • judicial powers
  • the judicial process/system
  • Greenpeace applied for a judicial review to challenge the court’s decision.
  • The Supreme Court ordered a judicial inquiry into the deaths.

Usage notes

Use 'judicial' in contexts concerning legal matters, courts, or justice. Not suitable for casual conversations; best used in formal writing or discussions about law.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'JUSt and decIAl' — both words are connected to justice and law.

Collocations

  • judicial system
  • judicial review
  • judicial proceedings
  • judicial authority
  • judicial action

Synonyms

  • legal
  • judiciary
  • court-related
  • law-related
  • juridical

Antonyms

  • extrajudicial
  • nonjudicial

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'judiciary' — 'judicial' describes things related to courts, while 'judiciary' refers to a system or group of judges.
  • Using 'judicial' too informally — it's a formal term.
  • Incorrectly applying 'judicial' in non-legal contexts.