What does prejudgement mean?
Prejudgement is a preconceived opinion or bias that exists before a person, issue, or legal case has been fully examined. It may influence which questions are asked, which evidence is noticed, and what conclusions are reached, making it especially significant in courts, journalism, and public discussion. The term carries a strongly negative connotation because genuine impartiality requires an open response to facts rather than an advance verdict. Although a simple first impression can be natural and sometimes useful, prejudgement suggests that a conclusion has been fixed in advance and may improperly shape later judgment. Using the word responsibly means distinguishing an initial hypothesis, which remains open to revision, from a settled assumption that prevents fair consideration. The standard alternative spelling, prejudgment, is especially common in American English.
nounAn opinion formed about someone or something before the relevant facts, evidence, or full argument have been considered. It also refers to the act of forming such a preconceived opinion.
- An opinion or attitude formed about a person, issue, or case before all relevant evidence has been considered; also, the bias associated with such an opinion.
"The inquiry was conducted without prejudgement, allowing the evidence to guide its conclusions."
"Her prejudgement of the defendant influenced the interview from its first question."
"A judge's role is to assess the evidence without prejudgement."
The standard plural adds -s; prejudgments is an accepted spelling variant in American English.
"The report warns against prejudgements that prevent a fair assessment of the evidence."
In law, prejudging a case means reaching the verdict before the evidence has been heard—a reminder that an early opinion can distort everything that follows.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prejudgement come from?
Prejudgement combines the prefix pre-, meaning “before,” with judgement, meaning the act of forming an opinion or deciding a matter. The related verb prejudge developed in English during the early modern period, drawing on the established vocabulary of judging and judicial decision. The noun's development followed the verb, expressing an opinion formed before evidence or argument has been properly considered.
Related word forms
How prejudgement is actually used
The word is formal and is especially associated with legal, journalistic, and academic contexts. It denotes an opinion formed in advance of proper examination, rather than merely a general preference or initial impression.
Easily confused with prejudgement
Prejudgement and prejudgment are spelling variants of the same noun; prejudgement is the more common form in British English, while prejudgment predominates in American English.