Judicious
adjective /dʒuːˈdɪʃəs/ — Having sound, careful judgment — wise in a practical, measured way.
Definition
Showing good judgment and sound thinking, especially in difficult situations — not reckless, not timid, but carefully considered and well-aimed.
Beyond the definition
A judicious response is not the first one. It's the one that arrives after you've considered what you're actually trying to achieve. In a world of reactive communication, 'judiciously' is one of the rarest and most valuable adverbs.
Origin & history
Latin 'judiciosus' — from 'judicium' (judgment), from 'judex' (judge). The same root as 'judiciary' — applying to the quality of judgment rather than the office.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She made the judicious decision to say nothing until she knew more.
A judicious use of humour can defuse what direct confrontation cannot.
He was judicious in his praise — which made it all the more meaningful when it came.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Judicious” when the meaning fits your context: Showing good judgment and sound thinking, especially in difficult situations — not reckless, not timid, but carefully considered and well-aimed.
Synonyms
wise, prudent, discerning, careful, considered
Antonyms
impulsive, reckless, hasty
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Careful Team Review
A team leader reviews a map and model with colleagues, taking care before a consequential decision, appearing neither reckless nor timid.
The leader's focus as they review the model demonstrates a judicious approach. They are carefully considering the plan, ensuring the outcome is well-aimed and sound, illustrating the quality of forming good judgements in a difficult, consequential situation.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Judicious" mean?
Judicious is adjective meaning: Having sound, careful judgment — wise in a practical, measured way.. Showing good judgment and sound thinking, especially in difficult situations — not reckless, not timid, but carefully considered and well-aimed.
Where does the word "Judicious" come from?
Latin 'judiciosus' — from 'judicium' (judgment), from 'judex' (judge). The same root as 'judiciary' — applying to the quality of judgment rather than the office.