Pronunciation

/kriˈtɪkl/

Definitions

Noun

• Critical (noun): adjective used to describe something that is important, decisive, or requiring careful evaluation. It can also refer to a situation where there is intense scrutiny or disagreement.
• A critical review is one that evaluates the quality or merit of a work, such as a book, film, or artwork.

Verb

• To be critical means to analyze, judge, or comment on something with a discerning eye, often looking for flaws or areas for improvement.
• Critically acclaimed refers to something that has received widespread praise from experts or the public.

Adjective

• Critical thinking is the ability to evaluate information and make well-reasoned judgments, often involving analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

Adverb

• Critically means in a manner that involves thorough examination or assessment.

Phrases

• “Be critical of” implies evaluating with a critical eye.
• “A critical moment” refers to a crucial or decisive point in time.
• “Under critical conditions” describes circumstances that require immediate attention or action.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The debate was marked by a critical discussion of policy issues.”
• Verb: “After reading the novel, she wrote a critical review for the newspaper.”
• Adjective: “Developing critical thinking skills is essential for success in higher education.”
• Adverb: “The doctor closely observed the patient’s condition critically.”

Synonyms

• Key
• Crucial
• Vital
• Decisive
• Analytical
• Pivotal
• Scathing (in a negative sense)
• Rigorous
• Assessive