Critic

/ˈkrɪtɪk/

nounIntermediateCommonArts

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A person who expresses disapproval of someone or something based on a careful judgment of their faults.

/ˈkrɪtɪk/

nounneutralIntermediate
Arts

A person who judges or evaluates literary, artistic, or musical works, or other things.

The theater critic praised the actor's performance.

💡 Simply: Imagine someone who watches movies and tells everyone what they liked and didn't like. A critic is like that, but for books, art, music, or anything really!

👶 For kids: Someone who tells you what they think about something. Like, 'I think this painting is good!'

More Examples

2

She is a well-respected critic of modern art.

3

The restaurant critic's review influenced many people's dining choices.

How It's Used

Arts & Literature

"The film critic gave the movie a scathing review."

Politics

"Political critics often scrutinize government policies."

2

A person who finds fault; a faultfinder.

/ˈkrɪtɪk/

nounnegativeIntermediate
General

A person who expresses an unfavorable opinion.

Critics of the proposal voiced their concerns.

💡 Simply: Think of someone who always points out what's bad about things, not just what they don't like but what they think is actually wrong or a problem

👶 For kids: Someone who tells you what's wrong with something.

More Examples

2

The environmental critics raised important questions about the project's impact.

3

He is often viewed as a critic of the government.

How It's Used

General

"Critics of the plan raised concerns about its feasibility."

Social Issues

"Critics of the new law argued that it would violate civil liberties."

Tip:Someone always looking for flaws is a 'critic'.

Idioms & expressions

armchair critic

A person who offers opinions and criticism without having any practical experience of the subject.

"Don't listen to the armchair critics; they've never actually tried doing it."

From Latin criticus, from Greek kritikós ('able to discern'), from krinein ('to separate, judge').

The word 'critic' has been used since the 16th century to describe those who evaluate and judge works of art or literature.

Memory tip

Think of a 'critical' person, always pointing out what's wrong.

critickcritique

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written