What do critical mean Meaning and Definition
What do critical mean
Pronunciation
/ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Requiring rigorous analysis and evaluation; having a precise and objective approach.
Examples
- The experiment was designed to be critical in its approach to minimize sampling errors.
- Critical thinking skills are essential for making informed decisions.
Synonyms
- Rigorous
- Thorough
Antonyms
- Lax
- Superficial
Etymology
The word “critical” comes from the Latin word “criticus,” meaning “expert in judging.” It was first used in the 15th century to describe a person who applies strict standards in evaluating information.
Usage Notes
Critical is often used in academic and professional settings to describe a rigorous and systematic approach to analysis and evaluation. It can also be used to describe a person who is skilled in judging and evaluating information.
Cultural References
Critical thinking has been a theme in popular culture, appearing in movies, books, and TV shows. The movie “The Matrix” (1999) uses the concept of critical thinking to describe the main character’s realization of the simulated reality.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Phrases such as “think critically” and “make a critical analysis” are common idioms that include the word “critical” in their meaning.
Related Words or Phrases
Other words and phrases that are related to “critical” include “objective,” “rational,” and “analytical.”
Collocations
Collocations such as “critical thinking,” “critical evaluation,” and “critical analysis” are common word combinations with the term “critical.”
Frequency of Use
The word “critical” is commonly used in formal writing, such as academic papers and business reports, to describe a rigorous and systematic approach to analysis and evaluation.
Common Misspellings
- Criticle
- Crítikal