Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Adjudicate" – Detailed Summary

Podcast Information

• Title: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
• Host: Peter Sokolowski (Merriam-Webster)
• Episode Title: Adjudicate
• Release Date: August 7, 2025
• Description: A daily exploration of words to enhance vocabulary, presented by Merriam-Webster's linguistic experts.

Introduction to the Word of the Day: "Adjudicate"

In the August 7, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski introduces the word "adjudicate". This episode is dedicated to unpacking the meaning, usage, and etymology of the term, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding to incorporate into their daily vocabulary.

Notable Quote:

• [00:06] Peter Sokolowski: "It's Merriam Webster's Word of the Day for August 7th. Today's Word is adjudicate, spelled A-D-J-U-D-I-C-A-T-E."

Definition and Core Meaning

Sokolowski begins by defining "adjudicate" as a verb with several nuanced meanings:

1. To Make an Official Decision: Primarily, to adjudicate a dispute between two parties involves determining which party is right through an official decision.

2. Judicial Settlement: Adjudicating a case or claim refers to settling it within a judicial context.

3. Acting as a Judge: The term also extends to the role of acting in a judicial capacity, essentially serving in the position of a judge.

Notable Quote:

• [00:06] Peter Sokolowski: "Adjudicate is a verb. To adjudicate a dispute between two parties is to make an official decision about which party is right."

Usage in Context: Pete Rose's Candidacy

To illustrate the practical application of "adjudicate," Sokolowski provides a contemporary example related to sports:

• Example Sentence: "Philadelphia Pete Rose's candidacy won't be adjudicated on the writers' ballot."

This sentence highlights how "adjudicate" is used in real-world scenarios, specifically within the context of sports voting rules. According to the episode, the Hall's voting rules stipulate that players retired for over 15 years are not considered by the 400-plus writers but are instead evaluated by a smaller era committee. This committee comprises former players, executives, and media members, emphasizing the official and selective nature of the adjudication process.

Notable Quote:

• [00:06] Peter Sokolowski: "Here's the word used in a sentence from the Philadelphia Pete Rose's candidacy won't be adjudicated on the writers' ballot."

Etymology and Linguistic Roots

A significant portion of the episode delves into the etymology of "adjudicate," tracing its roots to the Latin word "jus" (pronounced "jus"), meaning law. Sokolowski emphasizes the profound influence of Latin on legal terminology within the English language.

Key Points:

• Latin Influence: "Adjudicate" is part of a family of legal terms derived from "jus," underscoring the foundational role of Latin in shaping legal discourse.

• Related Terms: Sokolowski lists several other English words that share the same Latin root, including:

  • Judgment
  • Judicial Prejudice
  • Jury
  • Justice
  • Injury
  • Perjury

These examples illustrate how pervasive Latin has been in forming the vocabulary of the legal system, particularly within English-speaking courtrooms.

Notable Quotes:

• [00:06] Peter Sokolowski: "The word adjudicate, which is usually used to mean to make an official decision about who is right in a dispute, is one of several terms that give testimony to the influence of jus—the Latin word for law—on our legal language."
• [00:06] Peter Sokolowski: "Others include the words judgment, judicial prejudice, jury justice, injury, and perjury."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the episode, Sokolowski summarizes the importance of understanding words like "adjudicate" not only for their direct meanings but also for their historical and linguistic significance. He underscores how such terms are integral to legal processes and everyday language.

Notable Quote:

• [00:06] Peter Sokolowski: "Latin law words frequently preside in English speaking courtrooms."

Sokolowski encourages listeners to visit Merriam-Webster's website for further exploration of definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups, reinforcing the podcast's mission to provide a "free daily dose of word power."

Final Notable Quote:

• [00:06] Peter Sokolowski: "With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski. Visit merriamwebster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups."

Key Takeaways

• "Adjudicate" Defined: To officially decide between conflicting parties or to judge a case.
• Practical Application: Used in contexts such as legal decisions and organizational voting processes.
• Latin Roots: Derived from "jus," highlighting the historical depth of legal terminology in English.
• Related Vocabulary: Understanding "adjudicate" opens the door to comprehending other Latin-derived legal terms.

This episode serves as an enriching exploration of "adjudicate," blending definition, context, and etymology to enhance listeners' linguistic proficiency and appreciation for the intricacies of English vocabulary.