critical
gb/kɹˈɪtɪkəl/ us/kɹˈɪtɪkəl/
B1
English
~ 1700
kritikus, bíráló, kulcsfontosságú, elengedhetetlen, létfontosságú, válságos, kritikai
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is critical of [something/someone]
The report was highly critical of the government's handling of the crisis.
A jelentés élesen bírálta a kormány válságkezelését.
She is often critical of her own work.
Gyakran kritikus a saját munkájával szemben.
Many critics were critical of the film's weak storyline.
Learner examples
He is critical of the plan.
Kritikus a tervvel szemben.
She was critical of my idea.
Kritikus volt az ötletemmel szemben.
The teacher is critical of bad spelling.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'critical of' with 'critical to', which has a different meaning related to importance.
Meaning
expressing disapproval or judgment
Collocations
highly critical
|critical remarks
|critical comments
|critical of
Synonyms
disapproving (Softer and more general in tone than 'critical'.)
Antonyms
supportive (Shows encouragement rather than disapproval.)
Themes
communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Saying that you do not like something or think it is wrong.
Expressing negative or disapproving comments about someone or something.
B1
2
Usage pattern:
[something] is critical to/for [something]
It is critical to follow these safety instructions.
Elengedhetetlen, hogy betartsuk ezeket a biztonsági utasításokat.
Funding is critical for the project's success.
A finanszírozás kulcsfontosságú a projekt sikeréhez.
Good communication is critical to a healthy relationship.
Learner examples
Water is critical for life.
A víz létfontosságú az élethez.
It is critical to wear a helmet.
Elengedhetetlen, hogy sisakot viseljünk.
Sleep is critical for health.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'critical' here with 'criticizing', but this meaning is about importance, not disapproval.
Meaning
extremely important or necessary
Collocations
critical role
|critical point
|critical factor
|critical importance
Synonyms
crucial (Nearly identical in meaning, but sometimes sounds slightly less formal.)
Antonyms
unimportant (Lacking importance or necessity.)
Themes
business
|science
|daily life
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Very important and needed for something to work or be safe.
Extremely important for the success, safety, or functioning of something.
B2
3
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is in a critical condition/state/situation
The patient remains in critical condition after surgery.
A beteg a műtét után továbbra is válságos állapotban van.
The economy is in a critical state.
A gazdaság válságos helyzetben van.
We are at a critical point in the negotiations.
Learner examples
He is in critical condition after the crash.
A karambol után válságos állapotban van.
The company is in a critical situation.
A vállalat válságos helyzetben van.
The child’s health is critical now.
Meaning
at a dangerous or life-threatening stage
Collocations
critical condition
|critical state
|critical situation
Synonyms
serious (Less intense than 'critical', which implies urgency and danger.)
Antonyms
stable (In a safe and unchanging condition, especially in medical contexts.)
Themes
health
|emergencies
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Very serious and possibly leading to death or disaster.
In a state where there is a high risk of failure, harm, or death, and urgent action is needed.
B2
TECHNICAL
4
kritikai
B2
Usage pattern:
critical thinking/analysis/evaluation
Critical thinking skills are essential for problem-solving.
A kritikai gondolkodás készségei elengedhetetlenek a problémamegoldáshoz.
The book received much critical acclaim.
A könyvet a kritikusok nagy elismeréssel fogadták.
Her essay was a critical analysis of the novel.
Learner examples
We learn critical thinking in school.
Az iskolában kritikai gondolkodást tanulunk.
He wrote a critical review of the movie.
Elemző kritikát írt a filmről.
The class teaches critical reading skills.
Meaning
relating to analysis and evaluation
Collocations
critical thinking
|critical analysis
|critical review
Synonyms
analytical (Focuses more on breaking down into parts, while 'critical' also involves judgment.)
Antonyms
unquestioning (Accepting without examination or evaluation.)
Themes
education
|arts
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Definition
Using careful thinking to judge the good and bad parts of something.
Involving careful judgment and detailed examination of ideas, works, or information.
Grammar
Dictionary form
critical
IPA
GB/kɹˈɪtɪkəl/
US/kɹˈɪtɪkəl/
Syllables & stress
crit - ic - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (crit)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: critical
Word family
Core family
Related words
critique
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
uncritical
adjective
uncritically
adverb
Advanced or less common
criticality
noun
Expressions
critical mass
1/kɹˈɪtɪkəl mˈæs/
fixed phrase
minimum amount needed for change to happen
The smallest amount needed for something to start or continue working well.
Examples
- The campaign reached critical mass after going viral online.
- We need a critical mass of supporters to make the project succeed.
in critical condition
1/ˈɪn kɹˈɪtɪkəl kəndˈɪʃən/
fixed phrase
very seriously ill or injured
Very sick or badly hurt, and possibly close to dying.
Examples
- The driver is in critical condition after the accident.
- She was rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition.
mission-critical
1/mˈɪʃən kɹˈɪtɪkəl/
fixed phrase
technical
essential for success of mission or project
Very important for a plan, job, or system to work well.
Examples
- Data security is mission-critical for this company.
- This software is mission-critical to our daily operations.