Jurying

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

  1. The process whereby a panel determines the quality and value of submitted works or performances in contests or exhibitions
  2. The activity involving individuals who review and make judgments about contributions in competitive events or artistic showcases
  3. The act of evaluating and assessing entries in competitions to determine merit or rank by a group of designated reviewers

Etymology: The verb form in question derives from the noun "jury," which itself has roots stretching back to the medieval English legal system. The word "jury" entered English in the 14th century, borrowed from Old French "juree," meaning an oath or sworn body of men. This French term came from the verb "jurer," meaning "to swear," which ultimately traces back to the Latin "jurare." The Latin root relates to "jus" or "juris," meaning law or right, emphasizing the legal and sworn nature of the group. The process encapsulated by the verb involves the act of serving on or selecting a jury, or more broadly, taking part in judging or evaluating something, often in a formal or semi-formal setting. While "jury" as a noun is well established, the verb form is less common and tends to appear in contexts related to competitions, exhibitions, or events where a panel "juries" the participants—that is, they deliberate and assign judgments or awards. This verbal usage likely arose in the 19th or 20th century, corresponding with the expansion of organized contests and exhibitions where official judgment panels were convened. The suffix "-ing" simply forms the present participle or gerund, indicating the ongoing action of participating in this judging process. Unlike more traditional legal usage, this verb often applies beyond courts to artistic or competitive settings. Though it might feel like a straightforward derivation from the noun, the verb captures a shift from the noun’s original legal context to a broader sense of evaluative action. The transition shows how legal terminology can expand into everyday language, adapting to new cultural practices while retaining the core idea of careful, official judgment.