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1. Dictionary

   critical

   /ˈkrɪtɪkl/

   adjective

   • 1. expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgements: "I was very critical of the previous regime" Similar censoriouscondemnatorycondemningcastigatoryreprovingdenunciatorydeprecatorydisparagingdisapprovingscathingcriticizingfault-findingjudgementalnegativeunfavourableunsympathetichypercriticalultra-criticalovercriticalpedanticpettifoggingcavillingcarpingquibblingnigglingpass-remarkableinformal:nitpickinghair-splittingpickygripingbitchingbellyachingwhingeingpernicketypersnicketyrare:reprobatoryreprobativeOpposite complimentary
   • 2. expressing or involving an analysis of the merits and faults of a work of literature, music, or art: "she never won the critical acclaim she sought" Similar evaluativeanalyticanalyticalinterpretativeexpositorycommentativeexplanatoryexplicativeelucidative
   • ▪ (of a text) incorporating a detailed and scholarly analysis and commentary: "a critical edition of a Bach sonata"
   • ▪ involving the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement: "professors often find it difficult to encourage critical thinking amongst their students"
   • 3. (of a situation or problem) having the potential to become disastrous; at a point of crisis: "the floodwaters had not receded and the situation was still critical" Similar graveseriousdangerousriskyperiloushazardousprecarioustouch-and-goin the balanceuncertaindesperatedireacutevery badlife-and-deathlife-threateninginformal:chancydiceyhairyiffydodgyarchaic, humorous:parlousperacuteprofoundrare:egregiousOpposite safe
   • ▪ extremely ill and at risk of death: "she was critical but stable in Middlesbrough General Hospital"
   • ▪ having a decisive or crucial importance in the success, failure, or existence of something: "temperature is a critical factor in successful fruit storage" Similar crucialvitalessentialof the essenceall-importantimportantof the utmost importanceof great consequencehigh-priorityparamountpre-eminentfundamentalkeypivotaldecidingdecisiveclimactericmomentousseriousurgentpressingcompellingexigentOpposite unimportant
   • 4. relating to or denoting a point of transition from one state to another: "if the density is less than a certain critical value the gravitational attraction will be too weak to halt the expansion"
   • 5. (of a nuclear reactor or fuel) maintaining a self-sustaining chain reaction: "the reactor is due to go critical in October"

   Word Origin mid 16th century (in the sense ‘relating to the crisis of a disease’): from late Latin criticus (see critic).

   Derivatives

   • 1. criticalness noun

   Scrabble Points: 12

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2. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › criticalCritical Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › critical

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   Learn the various meanings and uses of the word critical, from being inclined to criticize to being indispensable or decisive. See synonyms, examples, word history, and related phrases of critical.

3. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishCRITICAL | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   Learn the meaning of critical in English with different contexts and usage. Find out how to use critical as an adjective to describe something bad, wrong, important, serious, or serious, or as a noun to refer to a judgment or opinion.

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5. www.dictionary.com › browse › criticalCRITICAL Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › critical

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   Critical definition: inclined to find fault or to judge with severity, often too readily. See examples of CRITICAL used in a sentence.

6. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishcritical adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

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   • saying what you think is bad about somebody/something. You should just ignore any critical comments. The supervisor is always very critical. critical of somebody/something Some parents are highly critical of the school.
   • extremely important because a future situation will be affected by it synonym crucial. Industry leaders are working together to address this critical issue.
   • serious, uncertain and possibly dangerous. One of the victims of the fire remains in a critical condition. The first 24 hours after the operation are the most critical.
   • involving making fair, careful judgements about the good and bad qualities of somebody/something. His latest film attracted enthusiastic critical comment from cinema-goers.

7. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishCRITICAL definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   Learn the various meanings and uses of the word critical, such as important, serious, harsh, or analytical. See synonyms, pronunciation, examples, and grammar tips for critical.

8. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › criticalCritical - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › critical

   Definitions of critical. adjective. of or involving or characteristic of critics or criticism. “ critical acclaim” adjective. characterized by careful evaluation and judgment. “a critical reading” “a critical dissertation” “a critical analysis of Melville's writings” synonyms: appraising, evaluative. exercising or involving careful evaluations.

9. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-englishCRITICAL | meaning - Cambridge Learner's Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-english

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   CRITICAL definition: 1. saying that someone or something is bad or wrong: 2. very important for the way things will…. Learn more.