Verdict
noun /ˈvɜːr.dɪkt/ — The formal decision of a jury or judge at the end of a trial.
Definition
The formal finding of fact by a jury, or the formal decision of a judge in a non-jury trial. Guilty, not guilty, liable, not liable — these single words carry the weight of everything that preceded them.
Beyond the definition
A verdict is the moment the law speaks — when all the evidence and argument collapse into a single word. No matter how just or unjust, that word changes everything.
Origin & history
From Medieval Latin 'veredictum' (a true verdict); from 'vere' (truly) + 'dictum' (thing said). The 'true word' — the jury's honest saying.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The verdict came after nine hours of deliberation — they heard it in silence, then everyone began to move.
A verdict of not guilty is not a finding of innocence: it means only that the case was not proven beyond reasonable doubt.
She lived with the verdict for years, convinced the jury had understood evidence the lawyers had buried.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Verdict” when the meaning fits your context: The formal finding of fact by a jury, or the formal decision of a judge in a non-jury trial. Guilty, not guilty, liable, not liable — these single words carry the weight of everything that preceded them.
Synonyms
finding, decision, judgment, ruling
Antonyms
mistrial, hung jury
Related words
Verdict vs sentence
A verdict is the final decision regarding guilt or innocence made by a jury or judge. The sentence is the specific punishment assigned after a guilty verdict is reached.
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
Adult Standing In Formal Court
An adult stands alone in a wood-paneled courtroom, holding a document, representing the weight of legal finality.
A verdict is the formal judgment by a jury or judge. Holding the document in the silence of the court emphasizes the weight of this single, definitive decision which concludes all the preceding legal arguments.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Verdict" mean?
Verdict is noun meaning: The formal decision of a jury or judge at the end of a trial.. The formal finding of fact by a jury, or the formal decision of a judge in a non-jury trial. Guilty, not guilty, liable, not liable — these single words carry the weight of everything that preceded them.
Where does the word "Verdict" come from?
From Medieval Latin 'veredictum' (a true verdict); from 'vere' (truly) + 'dictum' (thing said). The 'true word' — the jury's honest saying.