Pronunciation: [vˈɜːdɪkt] (IPA) 
The word "verdict" is spelled with two syllables and phonetically transcribed as /ˈvɜːdɪkt/. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound "er" as in "her", followed by the consonant sound "d" and the short "i" sound as in "hit". The second syllable starts with the unstressed vowel sound "i" as in "it", followed by the consonant sounds "k" and "t". This word refers to the decision made by a judge or jury in a trial.
A verdict can be defined as a final decision or judgment reached in a court of law or by a jury after considering all the evidence and legal arguments presented during a trial. It is the formal and conclusive decision that determines the guilt or innocence of a defendant accused of a crime or the liability of a party in a civil case.
In criminal trials, a verdict is typically rendered by a jury composed of citizens who have heard the evidence and arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense. The jury's decision can be either "guilty," indicating that the accused is found to be responsible for the alleged offense, or "not guilty," signifying that the defendant is acquitted and therefore not legally accountable.
In civil cases, a verdict is often issued by the judge after considering the evidence and legal arguments presented by both parties involved. This decision determines the liability, if any, of one party to the other and can result in the awarding of compensation or damages.
The verdict is the culmination of the legal process, representing the outcome of the trial and its resolution. It carries significant weight and establishes the legal consequences that will be imposed upon the defendant in a criminal case or the obligations and indemnification in a civil case.
The answer given to the court by a jury on any matter committed to them for examination; a decision; opinion pronounced.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "verdict" traces its origins back to Latin. It comes from the combination of two Latin words: "verus" meaning "true" and "dictum" meaning "said" or "uttered". In Latin, "verdictum" referred to a judgment or decision that was true or validly stated. Over time, this term was adopted into English, where it retained its meaning of a decision or judgement reached after considering evidence in a court of law.
