Definition

A person who makes a decision or judgment in a dispute or competition, often in a legal or formal context.

Example

The adjudicator made a fair decision in the dispute between the two parties.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new adjudicator for the debate competition?

Yeah, I heard he's really strict but fair.

I hope he takes everyone's points into consideration.

Same here! It’ll be interesting to see how he judges.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Adjudicator is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "judicare" (meaning to judge). The word refers to a person who judges or makes decisions, particularly in a legal context, thus someone who adjudicates.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'judges' ('judicare') something 'to' a conclusion ('ad-') — that's why an adjudicator is a person who makes judgments.

Visually Confused Words