Critical
'krɪtɪkəl
Definitions
5 meaningsExpressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments.
'krɪtɪkəl
The newspaper published a critical review of the play.
💡 Simply: When you're being *critical*, it means you're pointing out what's wrong with something. Imagine your friend's new drawing - if you tell them what they could do better, you're being critical.
👶 For kids: When you are critical, you are finding things that are not good or pointing out mistakes.
More Examples
She was very critical of his work.
It's important to be able to accept critical feedback.
How It's Used
"The film received critical acclaim."
"His constant criticism damaged their relationship."
Involving the objective analysis and evaluation of an idea, concept, or work of art.
'krɪtɪkəl
Expressing or involving an analysis of the merits and faults of a work of literature, music, or art.
The book includes critical essays on the author's earlier novels.
💡 Simply: Being *critical* about a piece of art or literature means you are carefully examining it to understand its good and bad points. It’s like being a detective looking for clues.
👶 For kids: When you are critical about art, you are looking at it carefully and thinking about what is good and bad about it.
More Examples
Her work has been praised for its critical insights.
We need more critical thinking in education.
How It's Used
"She is a critical scholar of ancient Greek sculpture."
"The professor wrote a critical essay on Shakespeare's plays."
Characterized by careful and objective judgment, analysis, and evaluation.
'krɪtɪkəl
Relating to or involving the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.
The government needs to undertake critical analysis of its policies.
💡 Simply: When you're being *critical* in your thinking, you're carefully analyzing a situation or idea before making a decision. It's like being a detective looking for clues and evidence before making a conclusion.
👶 For kids: When you are critical thinking, you are using your brain to think very hard about something to make a decision or find the right answer.
More Examples
The report presents a critical assessment of the situation.
Critical theory challenges traditional power structures.
How It's Used
"She conducted critical research into the effects of social media on adolescents."
"A critical examination of ethical principles."
Of crucial importance, especially in the success or failure of something; at a point of crisis.
'krɪtɪkəl
Expressing or involving grave or crucial matters; of the nature of or being a crisis.
The situation is critical, and we need to act fast.
💡 Simply: When something is *critical*, it’s really, really important, like a life-or-death situation. Imagine a doctor saying a patient is in critical condition – that means they need immediate help!
👶 For kids: When something is critical, it's super important and it could be dangerous if you don't do something about it.
More Examples
The patient is in a critical condition after the accident.
This is a critical stage in the development of the project.
How It's Used
"The patient's condition is critical."
"A critical shortage of supplies."
Inclined to find fault or to judge severely.
'krɪtɪkəl
Her critical eye missed nothing.
💡 Simply: If someone is *critical*, they tend to focus on what's wrong with things, and they might be quick to judge or find fault. It's like having a friend who always notices mistakes.
👶 For kids: When someone is critical, they like to find mistakes and say what's wrong about things.
More Examples
He was known for his critical remarks.
It's important not to be too critical of yourself.
How It's Used
"Her critical nature made it hard to maintain friendships."
"He was often critical of his own work."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
critical mass
The minimum amount of something required to start or maintain a process or activity.
"The project needs a critical mass of funding to succeed."
be critical of
To express disapproval or to find fault with someone or something.
"The public has been critical of the new policy."
critical thinking
The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.
"Schools should promote critical thinking."
From Late Latin criticus, from Greek kritikós 'able to judge,' from krinein 'to separate, decide.' Originally referred to a judge of literature, art, etc., then broadened to include fault-finding and crucial importance.
The word 'critical' has evolved from its original meaning of judgment and evaluation to include senses related to crucial importance, fault-finding, and objective analysis.
Memory tip
Think of a critic tearing apart a performance.
Word Origin
"able to judge"