When it comes to the spelling of the word “judgmental/judgemental,” it’s natural for confusion to arise. After all, both spellings seem to make sense, and it’s not immediately clear which one is correct. Fortunately, as an English language and grammar expert as well as an IELTS tutor, I am here to shed some light on the matter.
To put it simply, both “judgmental” and “judgemental” are widely accepted spellings, and they can be used interchangeably. However, there is one key difference: “judgmental” is more commonly used in American English, while “judgemental” is the preferred spelling in British English.
If we delve deeper into the topic, we can explore the origins of the word. The word “judgment” derives from the Old French term “jugement,” which ultimately stems from the Latin word “judicium.” Over time, as the English language developed, an “e” was added after the “g” in certain words, including “judgment.” This added “e” was intended to provide a visual cue to indicate that the “g” should be pronounced as a “j” sound.
However, during the standardization of spelling in the 18th and 19th centuries, British and American English took slightly different paths. In British English, the spelling “judgement” was established to maintain the connection to its Latin roots and emphasize the “j” sound. On the other hand, American English simplified the spelling to “judgment” by removing the “e” and adopting a closer phonetic representation of the word’s pronunciation.
To understand this better, let’s consider a few examples:
1. She is always quick to make judgmental comments about others.
– In American English: She is always quick to make judgmental comments about others.
– In British English: She is always quick to make judgmental comments about others.
2. Are you being judgmental just because he disagrees with you?
– In American English: Are you being judgmental just because he disagrees with you?
– In British English: Are you being judgemental just because he disagrees with you?
3. It’s important not to be too judgmental and give people a chance to explain.
– In American English: It’s important not to be too judgmental and give people a chance to explain.
– In British English: It’s important not to be too judgemental and give people a chance to explain.
As you can see, both spellings are grammatically correct and widely used. Ultimately, the choice between “judgmental” and “judgemental” depends on the variety of English that you are using.
So, whether you lean towards the American or British spelling, rest assured that you are using acceptable English. The most important thing is to be consistent throughout your writing.