Critical: meaning, definitions and examples

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critical

 

[ˈkrɪtɪk(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

thinking

expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments. Expressing or involving an analysis of the merits and faults of a work of literature, music, or art.

Synonyms

disapproving, fault-finding, judgmental.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
critical

Used in a medical or emergency situation to describe something very serious or crucial.

  • The patient is in critical condition after the accident
  • It's critical that we reach the hospital in time
judgmental

Describes someone who often forms harsh opinions about others, usually in a moral or ethical context. Generally seen as negative.

  • His judgmental comments made people uncomfortable
  • Don't be so judgmental about her lifestyle choices
disapproving

Best for expressing a negative opinion or disappointment in someone's actions or ideas. Often carries a personal or emotional tone.

  • Her parents were disapproving of her career choice
  • The teacher gave a disapproving glance at the student's late arrival
fault-finding

Describes someone who is constantly looking for mistakes or defects. Usually has a negative connotation, implying pettiness or unnecessary criticism.

  • He has a fault-finding attitude that makes teamwork difficult
  • The manager's fault-finding nature led to low morale among employees

Examples of usage

  • critical remarks
  • critical analysis of a novel
Context #2 | Adjective

important

having a decisive or crucial importance in the success or failure of something. Involving or exercising careful judgment or judicious evaluation.

Synonyms

crucial, key, vital.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
critical

Used to describe something essential and extremely important, often in situations where failure or problems could have severe consequences.

  • It's critical that we meet the deadline
  • The patient's condition is critical
crucial

Indicates something that is highly important and decisive for a particular outcome or process.

  • It is crucial to understand the basics before moving on
  • Her vote was crucial for the decision
vital

Emphasizes something that is essential and indispensable for the continued functioning or survival of something.

  • Water is vital for all known forms of life
  • It's vital that we adhere to the safety protocols
key

Refers to something that is pivotal and necessary, often indicating an element that unlocks or solves a problem.

  • Effective communication is key to a successful relationship
  • The key factor in their success was teamwork

Examples of usage

  • a critical moment
  • critical decision-making

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'kritikos', meaning able to discern or judge.
  • It was first used in the English language in the late 16th century, primarily in relation to judging performances or literary works.
  • Over time, its use expanded to describe anything that requires urgent attention or careful assessment.

Psychology

  • In psychology, 'critical thinking' refers to the ability to analyze information logically and make reasoned judgments.
  • Research shows that practicing critical thinking helps improve decision-making skills and problem-solving abilities.
  • Critical thinking is a core component of education, fostering independence and creativity in students.

Literature

  • Literary criticism evaluates art and literature, exploring themes, styles, and societal impacts through a critical lens.
  • Famous critics like T.S. Eliot and Susan Sontag have significantly shaped our understanding of various works.
  • The act of critique is seen as essential for fostering deeper appreciation of literature and arts.

Science

  • In science, being critical refers to the rigor required in research to verify results before publication.
  • Critical mass is a term in nuclear physics that describes the minimum amount of material needed to sustain a nuclear reaction.
  • The scientific method relies heavily on critical analysis and peer reviews to validate hypotheses.

Pop Culture

  • The term is often used in movie reviews where critics analyze and provide opinions about film quality.
  • Critical acclaim can boost a film's success, often leading to awards and recognition within the industry.
  • Popular figures known for their critical reviews include Roger Ebert and Leonard Maltin, influencing public perceptions of cinema.

Translations

Translations of the word "critical" in other languages:

🇵🇹 crítico

🇮🇳 महत्वपूर्ण

🇩🇪 kritisch

🇮🇩 kritis

🇺🇦 критичний

🇵🇱 krytyczny

🇯🇵 重要な

🇫🇷 critique

🇪🇸 crítico

🇹🇷 kritik

🇰🇷 중요한

🇸🇦 حرج

🇨🇿 kritický

🇸🇰 kritický

🇨🇳 关键的

🇸🇮 kritičen

🇮🇸 gagnrýninn

🇰🇿 сыншыл

🇬🇪 კრიტიკული

🇦🇿 tənqidi

🇲🇽 crítico

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,109, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.