What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
arbiter
Example
The teacher acted as the arbiter in the student's disagreement, listening to both sides and making a fair decision. [arbiter: noun]
Example
As an experienced lawyer, she was considered the arbiter of fashion in her circle of friends. [arbiter: noun]
judge
Example
The judge sentenced the defendant to five years in prison. [judge: noun]
Example
She judged the cake competition based on taste, presentation, and creativity. [judged: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Judge is more commonly used than arbiter in everyday language and legal contexts. Judge is a widely recognized term that covers a broad range of situations, while arbiter is less common and often used metaphorically or in specific fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between arbiter and judge?
While judge is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, arbiter is typically associated with a more formal tone and is often used in specialized or professional settings.
