Critically: meaning, definitions and examples

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critically

 

[ ˈkrɪtɪkli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

in a critical manner

In a way that expresses disapproval or criticism; in a serious and carefully considered way.

Synonyms

analytically, judiciously, severely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
critically

Used when evaluating something in a detailed and thorough manner, often identifying strengths and weaknesses.

  • She critically assessed the new policy for its potential impact.
  • The film was reviewed critically by experts in the industry.
judiciously

Used when making decisions or evaluations with good judgment and sense, often implying fairness and balance.

  • She judiciously allocated resources to ensure maximum efficiency.
  • They chose their investments judiciously, avoiding unnecessary risks.
analytically

Used when breaking down and examining components systematically or logically, often appealing to reasoning and data.

  • He approached the problem analytically, considering each variable.
  • The scientist analyzed the data analytically to find patterns.
severely

Used in situations involving strict or harsh evaluation, criticism, or punishment, often with a negative connotation.

  • The manager severely reprimanded the team for their mistakes.
  • The policy was severely criticized by the opposition.

Examples of usage

  • He looked at her critically, trying to find any flaws.
  • She analyzed the situation critically before making a decision.
Context #2 | Adverb

in terms of academic writing

In a way that involves careful evaluation and analysis of texts or arguments.

Synonyms

analytically, rigorously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
critically

Used when evaluating or judging something in a detailed and serious manner, often highlighting both good and bad aspects. This can sometimes carry a negative connotation if the emphasis is on fault-finding.

  • She reviewed the new movie critically, pointing out its strengths and weaknesses.
  • The professor asked students to think critically about the ethical implications of the experiment.
analytically

Used when breaking down a complex topic into simpler parts to understand it better, often involving logical reasoning and detailed examination.

  • He approached the problem analytically, examining each component to see how they fit together.
  • The detective thought analytically, piecing together the clues to solve the mystery.
rigorously

Used to describe an approach or method that is extremely thorough, accurate, and strict, often involving detailed standards and consistent procedure.

  • The scientists conducted their experiments rigorously to ensure reliable results.
  • She trained rigorously for the marathon, making sure to follow her schedule precisely.

Examples of usage

  • The student approached the text critically, looking for deeper meanings.
  • She wrote her essay critically, citing multiple sources for support.

Translations

Translations of the word "critically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 criticamente

🇮🇳 आलोचनात्मक रूप से

🇩🇪 kritisch

🇮🇩 secara kritis

🇺🇦 критично

🇵🇱 krytycznie

🇯🇵 批判的に (ひはんてきに)

🇫🇷 de manière critique

🇪🇸 críticamente

🇹🇷 eleştirel olarak

🇰🇷 비판적으로

🇸🇦 بنقدية

🇨🇿 kriticky

🇸🇰 kriticky

🇨🇳 批判地 (pīpàn de)

🇸🇮 kritično

🇮🇸 gagnrýnið

🇰🇿 сын көзімен

🇬🇪 კრიტიკულად

🇦🇿 tənqidi olaraq

🇲🇽 críticamente

Etymology

The word 'critically' is derived from the adjective 'critical', which comes from the Latin word 'criticus', meaning 'able to discern' or 'pertaining to criticism'. The adverb form 'critically' has been in use since the 17th century, originally meaning 'in a critical manner'. Over time, its usage has expanded to include contexts related to careful evaluation, analysis, and examination.

See also: critical, criticism, criticizable, criticize, criticizing, critics.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,948 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.