I had a conversation yesterday about the odd spelling of the word “judgment.” I always think that it should include the letter “e” because there is no logical reason to eliminate it from the root word, judge. However, the first listing in the dictionary is judgment with an afterthought of judgement listed as an “also” option. The funny thing about the conversation was my resistance to using the alternate form of the spelling of judgment or should I say judgement.
Yikes, it’s even hard for me to type the word with the extra “e” in it. It triggers that voice that says I should do it the right way, the proper way. So, here are a few questions to ponder:
- What things do you have judgments about because you have always done them a certain way? The translation in your mind for things done a certain way is things done the right way.
- Do you have any judgments that you could let go of?
- Are any of your judgments tied to the need to be right or to be seen as perfect? The translation in your mind would be seen as good enough.
- Do any of your judgments have the undercurrent of proving that you are right and they are wrong?
These are a few things to notice and think about. As you are able to set down a judgment you will give yourself a bigger space in which to live your life. You won’t be boxed in by having to prove anything – to others or to yourself.
i think the “proper” spelling looks like a jumbled mess of nothing good. i never knew that was the correct way until now, and every time i see it i either read it as “judment” or “jugment”. the e kinda seems necessary to me to tie both of the letters together and separate them, even though it comes after if that makes sense.
I agree that it doesn’t look right and it took me by surprise years ago when I realized that the correct spelling is judgment. You do have a point about the “dge” being necessary for correct pronunciation. Too bad Webster didn’t check with us when he was writing the dictionary!