Critical Meaning and Definition
Critical
Pronunciation
/ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A critical quantity, quality, or condition is essential or vital; extremely important.
Examples
- The doctor emphasized the critical need for a blood transfusion.
- The company’s critical infrastructure is vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Synonyms
- Vital
- Essential
- Pivotal
Antonyms
- Minor
- Insignificant
- Unimportant
Etymology
The word “critical” comes from the Latin “criticus,” meaning “able to judge,” and is derived from the Greek ” kritikos,” meaning “of judgment.”
Usage Notes
Critical thinking and analysis are essential skills in many fields, including science, philosophy, and law. Critical can also be used to describe something that is critically acclaimed or widely respected.
Cultural References
The term “critical mass” has been used in popular culture to describe the threshold beyond which a phenomenon or movement gains widespread acclaim or popularity.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- At a critical juncture
- Critical point
- Reach a critical mass
Related Words or Phrases
- Critical thinking
- Critical theory
- Critical evaluation
Collocations
- At a critical moment
- Critical to the success
- Reaching critical mass
Frequency of Use
The word “critical” is a common adjective in modern English, frequently used in various contexts, including science, philosophy, and everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “critical” include “critcal,” “critcal,” and “criticle.”