Reviews: meaning, definitions and examples

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reviews

 

[rɪˈvjuːz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

online

Assessments or evaluations of products, services, or experiences by customers or users.

Synonyms

critiques, evaluations, feedback.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reviews

This word again involves giving opinions or assessments, but in a more casual or consumer-focused manner.

  • I read several reviews before buying the laptop
  • His restaurant reviews are always spot on
evaluations

Use this word in situations where a systematic and objective assessment is required, often in educational, professional, or technical settings.

  • Employee evaluations will be conducted next week
  • The teacher's evaluation of the class's performance was thorough
feedback

This term is commonly used when providing constructive advice or comments meant to improve someone's performance or work.

  • She appreciated the feedback on her presentation
  • Positive feedback from customers can help improve the product
critiques

This word is often used in more formal or scholarly contexts and involves a detailed analysis and evaluation, often focusing on both positive and negative aspects.

  • The professor's critiques of the student's papers were very detailed
  • His art critiques are highly respected in the community

Examples of usage

  • Reading reviews before making a purchase is important.
  • The hotel has received mixed reviews from guests.
  • I always leave a review after trying a new restaurant.
  • The app has a high rating based on user reviews.
  • Check out the latest reviews on this website.
Context #2 | Noun

movie

Opinions or critiques of a film by critics or viewers.

Synonyms

assessments, critiques, opinions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reviews

Commonly used for evaluations of products, services, books, movies, restaurants, etc. by critics or general users.

  • I read several reviews of the new smartphone before deciding to buy it.
  • The restaurant received glowing reviews from the food critics.
critiques

Generally involves a more detailed, analytical, and often critical examination of something, usually with a focus on identifying both strengths and weaknesses. Often used in artistic, literary, or academic contexts.

  • The professor's critique of my thesis was thorough and very helpful.
  • Her art critique highlighted the painting's strong use of color but noted some compositional weaknesses.
opinions

Used for subjective expressions of personal feelings, beliefs, or preferences. It doesn't necessarily require detailed justifications or evaluations.

  • In my opinion, chocolate ice cream is the best.
  • Everyone has their own opinions on the new policy.
assessments

Typically used in academic, professional, or official contexts where a detailed evaluation or measurement against specific criteria is required.

  • The teacher's assessments showed that most students improved over the semester.
  • Employees undergo performance assessments annually.

Examples of usage

  • The movie received rave reviews from critics.
  • I read a review that convinced me to watch the film.
  • Her review of the latest blockbuster was insightful.
  • Film reviews often influence box office performance.
  • The reviews were divided between positive and negative.
Context #3 | Verb

workplace

To evaluate or assess someone or something formally.

Synonyms

assess, evaluate, examine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reviews

To look over something to give an opinion, often used for books, movies, products, or services.

  • She writes reviews for a tech magazine.
  • The professor reviews the student's essays every week.
assess

To analyze or evaluate something, often used in formal or professional settings like academics, performance, or risk.

  • The teacher will assess your presentation next week.
  • The company needs to assess the potential risks before starting the project.
evaluate

To judge or determine the significance, worth, or quality of something, typically used in more detailed or systematic analysis.

  • The committee will evaluate all the proposals thoroughly.
  • It's important to evaluate the effectiveness of the new policy.
examine

To look at something closely and carefully, often to find out more information or to detect problems.

  • The doctor will examine you to find out what's wrong.
  • We need to examine all the evidence before making a decision.

Examples of usage

  • Managers often review employee performance annually.
  • It's important to review the project before presenting it.
  • She reviewed the documents carefully before signing.
  • The teacher reviewed the students' progress regularly.
  • We need to review our strategy for the upcoming quarter.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from the Old French 'revu,' meaning 'reviewed,' which comes from Latin 'revidere,' translating to 'to see again.'
  • The practice of reviewing goes back to ancient times, with the concept found in Roman literature where critics would assess poetry and performances.
  • The modern usage of the word began in the 18th century, initially relating to literary critiques and expanded to various fields over time.

Cultural Significance

  • Reviews influence consumer behavior significantly; people often check reviews before making purchases online.
  • Award shows, like the Oscars, heavily rely on critics’ reviews to assess the quality and cultural impact of films.
  • In some cultures, providing reviews and feedback is seen as a community effort to help improve products and services.

Technology

  • With the rise of the internet, user-generated reviews have become crucial, allowing everyday consumers to share their opinions on platforms like Yelp and Amazon.
  • Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to analyze reviews for sentiment and trends, impacting how companies respond and market products.
  • Online gaming relies heavily on reviews; players often consult them to gauge whether a game is worth their time and money.

Psychology

  • People tend to trust reviews more when they are written by peers rather than experts, showing the influence of social proof.
  • Positive reviews often create a 'halo effect,' where consumers perceive the entire brand as more favorable based on good feedback.
  • Conversely, negative reviews can have a strong psychological impact, potentially deterring large numbers of customers from a product.

Literature

  • Literary reviews have a long history, and notable critics, like Virginia Woolf and George Orwell, shaped public opinion about many works.
  • Book reviews serve not only as recommendations but also as summaries that help readers understand the themes and style of a book.
  • There are awards specifically for literary criticism, emphasizing the role of reviews in the literary community.

Translations

Translations of the word "reviews" in other languages:

🇵🇹 críticas

🇮🇳 समीक्षाएँ

🇩🇪 Bewertungen

🇮🇩 ulasan

🇺🇦 відгуки

🇵🇱 recenzje

🇯🇵 レビュー

🇫🇷 critiques

🇪🇸 reseñas

🇹🇷 yorumlar

🇰🇷 리뷰

🇸🇦 مراجعات

🇨🇿 recenze

🇸🇰 recenzie

🇨🇳 评论

🇸🇮 ocene

🇮🇸 umsagnir

🇰🇿 пікірлер

🇬🇪 მიმოხილვები

🇦🇿 rəylər

🇲🇽 reseñas

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,193, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.