critic
gb/kɹˈɪtɪk/ us/kɹˈɪtɪk/
B1
English
~ 2300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Person who judges creative works
Someone who gives their opinion about books, movies, music, or art, often in newspapers or on TV.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a critic of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'critic' with 'critique'. 'Critic' is the person; 'critique' is the review or analysis.
Synonyms
reviewer (Usually refers to someone who writes or gives opinions about creative works, often in a less formal or professional capacity.)
Antonyms
fan (A person who enjoys or supports the work, rather than evaluating or judging it critically.)
Collocations
film critic
|art critic
|literary critic
|music critic
|theater critic
Themes
media
|arts
|opinion
|arts_entertainment
|communication
|work
Examples
- The film critic praised the director's unique style.
- As a literary critic, she has reviewed hundreds of novels.
- The music critic gave the concert a glowing review.
- Art critics from around the world attended the exhibition.
- The play received mixed reviews from local critics.
Learner examples
- The critic wrote about the new movie.
- He is a famous art critic.
- Many critics liked the book.
- The critic gave the film a bad review.
Noun
B2
entity
2
Person who finds faults
Someone who says what they think is wrong about a person or thing.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a critic of [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners may mistakenly think 'critic' always refers to art or media; it can also mean anyone expressing disapproval in other contexts.
Synonyms
detractor (Emphasizes persistent disapproval and opposition, often in a public context.)
Antonyms
supporter (Someone who defends or promotes the person or thing being criticized.)
Collocations
harsh critic
|outspoken critic
|vocal critic
|political critic
Themes
opinion
|conflict
|communication
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She has long been a vocal critic of government policy.
- Critics of the plan argue that it will harm small businesses.
- As his fiercest critic, she never missed an opportunity to challenge him.
- Environmental critics say the project will damage local ecosystems.
Learner examples
- He is a critic of the new law.
- Many critics do not like this idea.
- The mayor has many critics.
- His critics say he works too slowly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
critic
IPA
GB/kɹˈɪtɪk/
US/kɹˈɪtɪk/
Syllables & stress
crit - ic (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (crit)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: critic
- Plural: critics
Word family
Forms
critics
noun
Core family
Related words
critique
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
uncritical
adjective
uncritically
adverb
Advanced or less common
criticality
noun
Expressions
art critic
2/ˈɑɹt kɹˈɪtɪk/
fixed phrase
Person who reviews visual art
Someone who gives their opinion about paintings, sculptures, and other art.
Examples
- The art critic admired the painter's use of color.
- Art critics gathered at the gallery opening.
film critic
1/fˈɪlm kɹˈɪtɪk/
fixed phrase
Person who reviews movies
Someone who writes or talks about what they think of movies.
Examples
- The film critic gave the movie five stars.
- Film critics praised the actor's performance.
harsh critic
3/hˈɑɹʃ kɹˈɪtɪk/
fixed phrase
Person giving severe disapproval
Someone who says very strong negative things about someone or something.
Examples
- She has been a harsh critic of the education system for years.
- The harsh critic did not find anything good to say about the performance.
vocal critic
4/vˈoʊkəl kɹˈɪtɪk/
fixed phrase
Person giving public disapproval
Someone who often speaks in public about why they dislike something or someone.
Examples
- He is a vocal critic of the proposed changes to the law.
- Vocal critics have raised concerns about the project's cost.