What does judgmentally mean?
Judgmentally is an adverb meaning “in a critical or disapproving way.” It describes speech, looks, reactions, or behaviour that judge people, actions, or situations, often harshly or with a sense of superiority. For example, someone might look judgmentally at a colleague's mistake, or a critic might respond judgmentally to an unfamiliar artistic style. The word usually carries a negative connotation because it implies that the person making the assessment is being severe, censorious, or unwilling to understand. Although it is related to the adjective judgmental, it specifically describes the manner in which such an attitude is expressed. The spelling judgmentally is especially common in American English, while judgementally is the usual British variant.
adverbIn a way that makes or expresses judgments about people, actions, or situations, especially in a critical or disapproving manner.
- In a critical or disapproving way, especially by making a judgment about someone's character, behaviour, or circumstances.
"She responded judgmentally to the suggestion without considering the reasons behind it."
"The candidate spoke judgmentally about her opponent's past."
"He looked judgmentally at the untidy room but said nothing."
To act judgmentally is not merely to decide something; it is to let an unfavourable opinion of people or circumstances shape how you speak and behave.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does judgmentally come from?
The word belongs to the English family of judge and judgment. Judgment derives through Old French jugement from Latin judicium, associated with judex, meaning “judge,” and the verb judicare, meaning “to judge.” The adjective judgmental and the adverb judgmentally were formed in English from this established root, with the adverbial ending -ally adding the sense of “in a judgmental manner.”
Related word forms
How judgmentally is actually used
Usually negative: it suggests that a person's opinion is being expressed with unnecessary severity, criticism, or moral superiority. It can also be used more neutrally to describe making a considered evaluation, though this is less common.
Easily confused with judgmentally
It is the chiefly British spelling variant of the same adverb; the spelling with a second “e” is more common in British English, while the spelling given here is more common in American English.