criticize
gb/kɹˈɪtɪsˌaɪz/ us/kɹˈɪtɪsˌaɪz/
B1
English
~ 3300
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Express disapproval by noting faults
To say what you think is wrong or bad about someone or something.
Usage pattern:
to criticize [someone/something] for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'criticize' with 'critique'. 'Critique' is often a more formal or neutral evaluation, while 'criticize' usually implies disapproval.
Synonyms
condemn (Stronger and more formal, often implying moral judgment.)
|
censure (Formal and official expression of disapproval, often in politics or governance.)
Antonyms
praise (To express approval or admiration, the opposite of pointing out faults.)
Collocations
harshly criticize
|publicly criticize
|openly criticize
|criticize strongly
|criticize unfairly
Themes
communication
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The manager criticized the team for missing the deadline.
- She was criticized in the press for her comments.
- Many people criticized the decision as unfair.
- The teacher criticized his handwriting.
- They criticized the government for its handling of the crisis.
Learner examples
- My boss criticized my report.
- He criticized me for being late.
- She criticized the movie.
- The coach criticized the players.
- They criticized the plan.
Verb
B2
action
2
Evaluate merits and faults
To talk about what is good and bad about something, such as a book, film, or idea.
Usage pattern:
to criticize [something] as [adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners may only use 'criticize' negatively; in academic contexts it can also mean balanced evaluation.
Synonyms
evaluate (Neutral assessment without necessarily implying disapproval.)
|
review (Often used for published evaluations of artistic works.)
Antonyms
applaud (To express strong approval, focusing on merits rather than faults.)
Collocations
constructively criticize
|critically criticize
|criticize objectively
Themes
arts
|education
|communication
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The professor asked us to criticize the article in our essays.
- She criticized the painting for its lack of depth but praised its colors.
- In his speech, he criticized the proposal's weaknesses while acknowledging its benefits.
Learner examples
- We had to criticize the story in class.
- He criticized the plan but said some parts were good.
- She criticized the idea in her report.
Grammar
Dictionary form
criticize
IPA
GB/kɹˈɪtɪsˌaɪz/
US/kɹˈɪtɪsˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
cri - ti - cize (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cri)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: criticize
- 3rd Person Singular: criticizes
- Present Participle: criticizing
- Past: criticized
Word family
Forms
criticizes
verb
criticizing
verb
criticized
verb
Related words
critically
adverb B2
critique
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
uncritical
adjective
Expressions
open to criticism
1/ˈoʊpən tə kɹˈɪtɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
Vulnerable to disapproval or fault-finding
In a situation where people may say what you did wrong.
Examples
- By making that decision, he is open to criticism from the public.
- Any bold policy will be open to criticism.
harsh criticism
1/hˈɑɹʃ kɹˈɪtɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
Severe negative judgment
Very strong and often unkind words about someone or something they did.
Examples
- The film received harsh criticism from reviewers.
- The movie received harsh criticism from reviewers.
- Her speech drew harsh criticism from opponents.
- She gave him harsh criticism about his report.
constructive criticism
1/kənstɹˈʌktɪv kɹˈɪtɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
helpful criticism meant to improve
Comments that point out problems but are meant to help someone get better, not to hurt them.
Examples
- She appreciated the constructive criticism from her teacher.
- She welcomed constructive criticism from her colleagues.
- I appreciate constructive criticism because it helps me grow.
- Constructive criticism can help you grow in your career.
- Good teachers give constructive criticism to help students improve.
- Teachers should give constructive criticism instead of only saying what is wrong.