Criticism
/ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of expressing disapproval and of finding fault with someone or something.
/ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/
The expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.
The teacher offered constructive criticism on my essay.
💡 Simply: Imagine you baked a cake, and your friend says, 'It's a little dry.' That's criticism - pointing out something that could be better.
👶 For kids: When someone says something they don't like or that is wrong.
More Examples
He couldn't handle the criticism and became defensive.
The film received mixed criticism from reviewers.
How It's Used
"The actor received harsh criticism for his performance."
"Art criticism often analyzes and evaluates works of art."
"The government faced criticism over its handling of the crisis."
The systematic analysis and judgment of the qualities of a literary, artistic, or musical work.
/ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/
The analysis and judgment of the merits and faults of a work of art, literature, or music.
Literary criticism has helped shape our understanding of Shakespeare.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a judge at a talent show. You watch a performance and then talk about what the performer did well and what they could improve. That's a type of criticism.
👶 For kids: When someone looks at a book, painting, or music and tells you what they think about it.
More Examples
The museum offered a program on art criticism.
His criticism of the novel was quite insightful.
How It's Used
"Literary criticism can offer deeper understandings of a novel."
"The film was praised for its insightful social criticism."
"Music criticism assesses both technical and emotional aspects of music."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
constructive criticism
Feedback given to someone that is intended to help them improve.
"The manager offered constructive criticism to help the employee improve their performance."
to invite criticism
To act in a way that makes criticism likely.
"By making such a controversial statement, he invited criticism."
From Greek *kritikos* ('able to judge') through Latin *criticismus*, signifying the act of judging or evaluating.
The term criticism has been used since the 17th century to describe the act of judging or evaluating, particularly in the context of literature and the arts.
Memory tip
Think of a critic pointing out flaws: they are giving criticism.
Word Origin
"the art of judging"