Make Your Point > Archived Issues > JUDICIOUS

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"JUDICIOUS" Meaning: Something or someone judicious shows wise judgment and is sensible and practical. Pronunciation: joo DISH us Part of speech: Adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “a judicious plan.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The plan was judicious.”) Other forms: judiciously, judiciousness How to use it: Here's another word that's very easy to understand but may not be utilized enough in your speech and writing. Talk about judicious people, judicious personalities, judicious choices and decisions, judicious actions, judicious writing, judicious restraint, judicious comments, judicious plans, and so on. You might show judicious taste, make a judicious selection, or strive for the judicious use of your resources. You might be judicious about doing something ("He's judicious in interviews about revealing personal details"), or be judicious with something ("Let's be a little more judicious with the exclamation points.") An angry email could usually benefit from a few judicious omissions before being sent... if you send it at all. Judiciously chosen, a few bright colors can really make a room. Otherwise, they ruin it. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "judicious" means when you can explain it without saying "with good judgment" or "wise." Think of a wise, sensible person you know, and fill in the blanks: "My judicious (friend/teacher/brother, etc.) (helped me to/taught me that) _____." Example: "My judicious mom taught me that competition with others is an unending struggle that we should generally avoid." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: Our October game references some material that may be protected by copyright. I appreciate your understanding as I err on the side of caution by not publishing it here! A Point Well Made: Debbie Millman: “Work as hard as you can. Imagine immensities.” 1. The opposite of JUDICIOUS is A. THOUGHTLESS B. FRIENDLESS C. FEARFUL 2. To seem a more judicious speaker, _____. A. wait for at least a few more seconds before answering a question B. raise the pitch of your voice at the beginning of each sentence C. invent a response to any question you don't know the real answer to Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. A 2. A Exploring the archives: Today's word is a compliment and applies equally well to people and their actions. (Meaning, you can have judicious people as well as judicious actions.) Others you can use this flexibly include aboveboard, illustrious, jovial, and magnanimous.