Hypercritical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hypercritical
[ˌhaɪpərˈkrɪtɪkl ]
Definition
in a critical manner
Excessively or over-critically judgmental; inclined to judge or criticize harshly. Tending to find fault with even minor details.
Synonyms
captious, fault-finding, nitpicking, overcritical.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hypercritical |
Used when someone is excessively critical beyond a reasonable level, often focusing on unimportant details.
|
| overcritical |
Used when someone is excessively critical to the point where it becomes unreasonable and hurtful.
|
| fault-finding |
Refers to the habit of continuously looking for mistakes or problems, often in a way that is more irritating than constructive.
|
| captious |
Describes someone who often finds trivial faults and objections, typically in a calculated way to annoy or entrap others.
|
| nitpicking |
Describes paying too much attention to minor or insignificant details, usually implying annoyance or pettiness.
|
Examples of usage
- He was hypercritical of her work, always pointing out the smallest flaws.
- The hypercritical judge never seemed satisfied with any performance.
- She received a hypercritical review from her supervisor, focusing on insignificant mistakes.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Hypercritical behavior can often stem from personal insecurities, where the critic seeks to ignore their own flaws by pointing out others'.
- Studies show that people who are hypercritical may struggle with communication skills, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Social Context
- In online communities, hypercritical comments often lead to 'cancel culture,' where individuals face overwhelming criticism for perceived mistakes.
- Many people use social media to express hypercritical views, which can create a toxic environment that discourages creativity and honesty.
Literature
- Classic literary figures often face hypercritical scrutiny from society, which can serve as a backdrop for character development and plot progression.
- Authors like Shakespeare critiqued hypercritical behavior in characters such as Shylock, who represents the harsh judgment of others in 'The Merchant of Venice.'
Cultural Impacts
- In some cultures, a hypercritical attitude is perceived as a sign of caring deeply about quality; however, it can also damage relationships.
- Movies and TV shows often portray hypercritical characters as antagonists, emphasizing the negative impact of excessive judgment on personal connections.
Origin of 'hypercritical'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'hyper,' meaning 'excessive,' and 'critical,' which comes from the Greek word 'kritikos,' meaning 'able to judge.'
- The concept of being critical has evolved from ancient philosophy, where critics were seen as key figures in arts and literature.
The word 'hypercritical' originated from the combination of the prefix 'hyper-' meaning excessive and the word 'critical' meaning inclined to find fault or criticize. The term first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century, reflecting a heightened sense of scrutiny or judgment. Over time, 'hypercritical' has come to be associated with individuals who are overly judgmental or excessively critical in their evaluations.
See also: criticality, overcritical.