critical
word
/ˈkɹɪtɪkəɫ/
KRI-di-kuhl
/kɹˈɪtɪkəl/
KRI-ti-kuhl
Definition
If someone is critical, they express disapproval or point out faults. It can also mean extremely important or serious in a situation.
Usage & Nuances
Two common meanings: 1) 'critical of' someone/something = judgmental or disapproving, and 2) very important, as in 'a critical decision' or 'critical condition'. In academic contexts, 'critical thinking' means careful analysis, not negativity.
Spanish: crítico - crucialPortuguese (BR): crítico - crucialPortuguese (PT): crítico - crucialChinese (Simplified): 批评的 - 关键的Chinese (Traditional): 批評的 - 關鍵的Hindi: आलोचनात्मक - अत्यंत महत्वपूर्णArabic: ناقد - حاسمBengali: সমালোচনামূলক - অত্যন্ত গুরুত্বপূর্ণRussian: критический - критичныйJapanese: 批判的 - 重大なVietnamese: chỉ trích - quan trọngKorean: 비판적인 - 중요한Turkish: eleştirel - kritik (önemli)Urdu: تنقیدی - نازک (اہم)Indonesian: kritis - penting
Example Sentences
He gets critical whenever someone suggests a different way to do things.
natural
Good timing is critical here, so wait for my signal.
natural
Water is critical for human life.
basic
The patient is in critical condition.
basic
She is very critical of her own work.
basic
We’re at a critical point in the project, so we can’t afford mistakes.
natural