What is judicious? Pronunciation and usage in English

judicious means . Learn how to pronounce and use judicious through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of judicious

judiciousadjective

/dʒuˈdɪʃəs//dʒuˈdɪʃəs/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "judicious." It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown of the sounds and a few different ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • jud: This part is relatively straightforward. Think of it like "jood." The "j" makes a "j" sound as in "jump," and the "ud" makes a short "oo" sound like in "foot."
  • i-cious: This is where it gets a bit more complex.
    • i: Pronounced like the "i" in "bit."
    • cious: This is the tricky part. It's a combination of sounds. It's not “shus” or "shoes." It's closer to a blend of sounds:
      • ch: Like in "chair."
      • ee: Like in “see” or “eat.”

2. Putting it Together - Several Pronunciations:

There isn't one single "correct" pronunciation, but here are some accepted variations:

  • Option 1 (More Common - Emphasizes the "oo"): “jood-ish-us” – You'll hear this frequently. The stress is on the first syllable ("jood").

  • Option 2 (Slightly more precise - focuses on the "cious"): “joo-di-shus” - This emphasizes the “di” in “cious” a little more.

  • Option 3 (A very common, simplified version): "joo-dee-shus" - Often used in everyday conversation.

3. Phonetic Transcription (for those who like it):

This is the most technical way to represent the sounds:

  • /ˈdʒuːdɪʃəs/ - This shows the stressed syllable and the sounds.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken correctly. Search for "how to pronounce judicious" on YouTube or use online dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary. They will have audio clips.
  • Break it Down: Practice each part (“jud,” “i-cious”) separately before putting them together.
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

Resources for Hearing Pronunciation:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the word slowly?
  • Focus on a specific pronunciation option?

Usage and examples with the word judicious in English

Let's break down how to use the word "judicious" effectively in English. It's a slightly more formal word, and it's important to use it correctly to convey its intended meaning.

1. What does "judicious" mean?

"Judicious" means showing good judgment or discretion. It describes someone or something that is wise, sensible, and careful in making decisions. It implies a thoughtful and considered approach, avoiding rash or impulsive actions.

2. How to Use It – Examples & Context

Here's how you can incorporate "judicious" into sentences, broken down by different contexts:

  • Describing a Person:

    • "She made a judicious decision to accept the lower-paying job with better benefits." (Meaning: She made a wise choice.)
    • "The committee praised the chairman for his judicious handling of the budget." (Meaning: He managed the budget well and responsibly.)
    • "He is a judicious leader, always considering the long-term consequences of his actions." (Meaning: He's a thoughtful and wise leader.)
    • "A judicious investor would diversify their portfolio rather than putting all their eggs in one basket." (Meaning: A smart investor would spread their investments.)

  • Describing an Action or Decision:

    • "It was a judicious move to postpone the meeting until next week." (Meaning: A sensible decision.)
    • "The doctor’s judicious use of medication helped him alleviate the patient's pain." (Meaning: The doctor used the medication carefully and effectively.)
    • "Her judicious editing transformed a chaotic draft into a polished manuscript." (Meaning: She edited it skillfully and with good taste.)

  • As an Adjective Modifying a Noun (More Formal):

    • "This is a judicious approach to solving the problem."
    • "He displayed a judicious understanding of the complexities involved."

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

Knowing synonyms can help you vary your language and choose the best word for the situation:

  • Wise
  • Sensible
  • Prudent
  • Discerning
  • Careful
  • Thoughtful
  • Sound
  • Reasonable

4. Things to Watch Out For:

  • Don't overuse it: "Judicious" is a more elevated word. Using it too frequently can make your writing sound overly formal or stuffy.
  • Be sure it fits the context: It's best suited for situations where good judgment, thoughtful consideration, and a lack of impulsiveness are important.

5. Let’s Practice!

Try rewriting these sentences using "judicious":

  1. The company made a smart decision to cut costs.
  2. The teacher used her experience to help the student.
  3. He was very careful when driving in the rain.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Focus on a specific context where you’d like to use “judicious”? (e.g., business, personal relationships, writing)
  • Create a short paragraph using the word “judicious”?

Synonyms for the word judicious

Practice with vocabulary judicious

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. When faced with budget cuts, the department head made a ______ decision to reallocate funds, ensuring minimal disruption to core projects.
  2. A ______ use of your time during the exam will significantly improve your chances of completing all sections.
  3. The committee sought ______ feedback from all stakeholders before finalizing the new policy.
  4. To avoid misunderstandings, it is crucial to communicate your expectations ______ and clearly.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following best describes a judicious action? a) Impulsively making a major purchase without research. b) Carefully weighing pros and cons before committing to a course of action. c) Following a well-thought-out plan with flexibility for unforeseen circumstances. d) Relying solely on intuition without any factual basis for a critical decision.

  2. In a professional context, being judicious primarily means acting with: a) recklessness b) foresight c) careful consideration d) impulsiveness

  3. Which scenario would most likely require a judicious approach? a) Deciding on a long-term investment strategy for a pension fund. b) Choosing a new brand of coffee for the office break room. c) Responding to a public relations crisis that could significantly damage brand reputation. d) Rapidly changing a presentation slide during a live event due to a minor typo.

  4. Which of the following words describes someone who is practical and sensible in their actions? a) fanciful b) pragmatic c) whimsical d) prudent

  5. To ensure clarity and precision in formal writing, one should strive to be: a) verbose b) ambiguous c) concise d) explicit

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the following sentence using "judicious" or a related word form: Original: People who manage their time well usually achieve better results in their work. Rewritten:

  2. Rewrite the following sentence using "judicious" or a related word form: Original: The government needs to be very careful in how it spends public funds, especially during an economic downturn. Rewritten:

  3. Rewrite the following sentence, without using "judicious" or its forms, by replacing the italicized phrase with a suitable alternative word or phrase: Original: It is important to think about the long-term effects when making significant policy changes. Rewritten:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. When faced with budget cuts, the department head made a judicious decision to reallocate funds, ensuring minimal disruption to core projects.
  2. A judicious use of your time during the exam will significantly improve your chances of completing all sections.
  3. The committee sought thorough feedback from all stakeholders before finalizing the new policy.
  4. To avoid misunderstandings, it is crucial to communicate your expectations explicitly and clearly.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Carefully weighing pros and cons before committing to a course of action. c) Following a well-thought-out plan with flexibility for unforeseen circumstances.
  2. b) foresight c) careful consideration
  3. a) Deciding on a long-term investment strategy for a pension fund. c) Responding to a public relations crisis that could significantly damage brand reputation.
  4. b) pragmatic d) prudent
  5. c) concise d) explicit

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewritten: Achieving better work results often stems from the judicious management of one's time.
  2. Rewritten: The government must exercise judiciousness in its allocation of public funds, particularly during an economic downturn.
  3. Rewritten: It is important to adopt a far-sighted approach when making significant policy changes.

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