Criticism: meaning, definitions and examples

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criticism

 

[หˆkrษชtษชsษชzษ™m ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

constructive feedback

Criticism is the practice of judging the merits and faults of something or someone in a thoughtful and analytical way. It involves pointing out areas for improvement or offering suggestions for better outcomes.

Synonyms

analysis, evaluation, feedback, review.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
criticism

Appropriate when pointing out flaws or weaknesses, often with a negative tone. It's used in situations where the goal is to highlight issues or errors.

  • His criticism of the new policy highlighted several key issues
  • The movie faced a lot of criticism regarding its weak plot
evaluation

Best used when judging the value or performance of something, often in a formal or structured setting. It's common in academic, professional, or organizational contexts.

  • The yearly employee evaluation will be held next week
  • They performed an evaluation of the new software to decide if it met their needs
feedback

Ideal for providing information on someone's performance or work, usually in the form of constructive comments. It can be positive or negative but aims to improve future performance.

  • She was grateful for the feedback on her presentation
  • The students received feedback on their essays to help them improve
review

Commonly used for a thorough assessment, often presented in writing, of something like a product, service, book, or movie. It often includes opinions and can be either positive or negative.

  • I read the restaurant review before making a reservation
  • The book received a glowing review from the literary critic
analysis

Used when breaking down something into parts to understand it better, often in a neutral or objective tone. Suitable for detailed examination of data, literature, or situations.

  • The analysis of the sales data helped the team understand market trends
  • The professor's analysis of the poem uncovered its deeper meanings

Examples of usage

  • Her criticism of the novel helped the author to refine the storyline.
  • The constructive criticism from her colleagues motivated her to work harder.
  • The art teacher provided valuable criticism to help the students enhance their skills.
Context #2 | Noun

negative feedback

Criticism can also refer to disapproval expressed towards something or someone. It may involve harsh judgment, fault-finding, or negative comments.

Synonyms

censure, condemnation, disapproval, rebuke.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
criticism

Used when analyzing or judging someone's work or actions, often in a constructive manner.

  • His artwork received a lot of criticism, but he took it as an opportunity to improve
censure

Typically formal and official disapproval, often by a group or authority figure.

  • The board issued a censure against the CEO for violating company policies
condemnation

Strong expression of disapproval, often for actions considered morally wrong or socially unacceptable.

  • The government's actions drew widespread condemnation from the international community
disapproval

General feeling or indication that someone or something is not satisfactory or acceptable.

  • Her parents showed their disapproval when she announced her decision to drop out of college
rebuke

Sharp or stern reprimand, often used to address someone's misconduct or inappropriate behavior.

  • The teacher delivered a strong rebuke to the student for talking back in class

Examples of usage

  • The movie received harsh criticism from the critics.
  • She faced unfair criticism for her actions.
  • The politician's speech was met with strong criticism from the public.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'kritikos', which means 'able to judge'.
  • In Latin, 'critica' refers to the art of criticism, showing the importance of judgment in cultures.
  • The term has evolved over centuries, highlighting its role in both art and literature.

Literature

  • Criticism can analyze a text's themes, characters, and meanings, helping readers understand it better.
  • In literary circles, critiques can shape the way books are received, launching or sinking authorsโ€™ careers.
  • Famous literary critics, like T.S. Eliot, shaped modern poetry through their analyses and perspectives.

Psychology

  • Constructive criticism helps individuals grow, while negative criticism can damage self-esteem.
  • People often fear criticism due to the threat it poses to their confidence and self-image.
  • Psychologists emphasize the importance of delivering feedback in a way that encourages improvement rather than discouragement.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV shows often showcase critics assessing contestantsโ€™ performances, impacting public perception.
  • Film critics wield significant influence, as their reviews can decide a movie's success or failure at the box office.
  • Online platforms, like social media and blogs, have democratized criticism, allowing anyone to voice their opinions.

Art

  • Art criticism has been vital in defining movements, from Impressionism to Modern Art, shaping public taste.
  • Critics often serve as mediators between the artist and the audience, helping convey deeper meanings.
  • Famous art critics like John Ruskin and Clement Greenberg have profoundly influenced the understanding of numerous artistic styles.

Translations

Translations of the word "criticism" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น crรญtica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค†เคฒเฅ‹เคšเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kritik

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kritik

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบั€ะธั‚ะธะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ krytyka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ‰นๅˆค (ใฒใฏใ‚“)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท critique

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ crรญtica

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท eleลŸtiri

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋น„ํŒ (๋น„ํ‰)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ู‚ุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kritika

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kritika

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‰น่ฏ„ (pฤซpรญng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kritika

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gagnrรฝni

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัั‹ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒ แƒ˜แƒขแƒ˜แƒ™แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tษ™nqid

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ crรญtica

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,460, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.