Words / C2

LIT-ig-uh-nt/ˈlɪtɪɡənt/

A litigant is a person or organisation involved in a lawsuit: the litigants, a litigant in person. A lawsuit (already in the dictionary) is the case; the plaintiff (already in the dictionary) is the party who sues, not always both sides. An arbiter (this batch) decides; “the other side” is not a name in the minutes.

Meaning

A person or organisation involved in a lawsuit.

Examples

• “Name the litigant in the minute; “the other side” is not a record.”
• “A lawsuit is the case (already in B1). The plaintiff is the party who sues (already in C1). An arbiter decides (this batch). A dated name can still be exact. A smear that never names the party is theatre. Write who is in court; then the commentary.”

Good to know

A party to a lawsuit. Everyday: party to a case. Close: plaintiff (already in C1). Contrast: lawsuit (the case — already in B1); arbiter (the decider — this batch). A nickname is not a record.

Near in meaning

party, plaintiff, claimant, suitor

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