The phrase "sitting in judgment" refers to the act of deliberating and making a decision about someone or something. The spelling of the word "judgment" might cause confusion for some, as it is commonly spelled without the "e". However, both spellings are considered correct in British and American English. The phonetic transcription for "judgment" is /ˈdʒʌdʒ.mənt/. The /g/ in the word is pronounced like a /dʒ/ sound, and the final syllable has a weak vowel sound represented by the schwa symbol /ə/.
Sitting in judgment is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of making a decision or passing a verdict on someone or something. It involves evaluating or assessing a situation, action, or person with the intention of forming an opinion in order to make a fair and reasoned judgment. This phrase is often used when a person is asked to determine the guilt or innocence of someone in a legal proceeding, but it can also extend to other contexts where a person is asked to make a decision or form an opinion.
"Sitting" in this context implies assuming a position of authority or responsibility to oversee the process of judgment. It conveys the idea of being in a position of power, knowledge, or expertise to weigh evidence or information presented before rendering a decision. This expression typically implies a serious and considered evaluation of the facts, taking into account various perspectives and considerations. It often entails having the ability to assess the evidence, apply relevant principles or laws, and draw conclusions based on logical reasoning.
In a broader sense, "sitting in judgment" can also refer to forming opinions or making decisions about someone's behavior or actions. It indicates assuming a critical stance to evaluate someone's actions or attitudes and passing a subjective assessment on their character, behavior, or choices. However, it is important to note that this phrase often implies a higher level of responsibility and a more formal evaluation process, such as in a legal or authoritative context.