critical

/ˈkɹɪtɪkəl/

Say it: KRIT-i-kuhl

1. adjective Expressing disapproving comments or judgments; finding fault.
He was very critical of the team's performance after the loss.
2. adjective Extremely important or necessary for a particular situation or outcome.
Good lighting is critical for a successful photo shoot.
3. adjective Relating to or denoting a point of transition or crisis.
After the surgery, the patient was in critical condition for three days.
4. adjective Involving the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.
The university course is designed to develop students' critical thinking skills.

📖 Seen in the wild

The doctor emphasized that the patient was in critical condition and required immediate attention.
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✏️ critical in a sentence

The inspector's report was highly critical of the factory's safety standards.
She played a critical role in negotiating the peace treaty.
We are at a critical juncture in our company's history.
His new film has received widespread critical acclaim.
Maintaining a stable power supply is critical to the data center's operation.
Don't be so critical; everyone makes mistakes.
The bridge collapsed after reaching its critical load.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

crucial vital essential disapproving pivotal indispensable censorious judgmental

crucial · implies a decisive point on which an outcome hinges.

vital · suggests something is necessary for life or continued existence.

essential · describes something that is absolutely fundamental or indispensable.

disapproving · focuses more on the expression of a negative opinion.

Opposites: uncritical, complimentary, praising, nonessential, unimportant

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'critical' traces back to the Greek 'kritikos', meaning 'able to judge or discern'. This sense of judgment is the core of all its modern meanings. Over time, it branched out to mean not just judging, but judging negatively (finding fault), and also judging something to be of the highest importance (a critical component).

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

critical thinkingcritical rolecritical momentcritical conditionhighly criticalcritical acclaim

The meaning of 'critical' depends heavily on context. Its tone can range from negative ('a critical remark') to neutral or positive ('a critical component'). Because it has multiple distinct meanings, pay attention to the surrounding words to avoid misinterpretation. For example, 'critical thinking' is a valued skill, while 'being critical' often implies unhelpful negativity.

Word family: critic, criticism, criticize, critically, critique

💬 Quick answers

What does 'critical' mean?

It has several main meanings: finding fault, being extremely important, relating to a crisis, or involving careful analysis. The specific meaning depends entirely on the context.

What's the difference between 'critical' and 'crucial'?

Both mean extremely important. 'Crucial' often points to a single, decisive factor that will determine an outcome, while 'critical' can describe any essential component required for success or function.

Is being 'critical' a negative thing?

It can be negative when it means constantly finding fault. However, in phrases like 'critical thinking' or 'a critical component,' the word is neutral or positive, referring to careful judgment or essential importance.

What does 'in critical condition' mean?

In a medical context, this is a specific term meaning a patient's vital signs are unstable and their illness or injury is life-threatening.

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