critical
gb/kɹˈɪtɪkəl/ us/kɹˈɪtɪkəl/
B1
Inglés
~ 1700
Acepciones
0 acepciones
adjective
B1
property
1
expressing disapproval or judgment
Saying that you do not like something or think it is wrong.
Patrón de uso:
[someone] is critical of [something/someone]
Error frecuente:
Learners sometimes confuse 'critical of' with 'critical to', which has a different meaning related to importance.
Sinónimos
disapproving (Softer and more general in tone than 'critical'.)
Antónimos
supportive (Shows encouragement rather than disapproval.)
Colocaciones
highly critical
|critical remarks
|critical comments
|critical of
Temas
communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- The report was highly critical of the government's handling of the crisis.
- She is often critical of her own work.
- Many critics were critical of the film's weak storyline.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- He is critical of the plan.
- She was critical of my idea.
- The teacher is critical of bad spelling.
adjective
B1
property
2
extremely important or necessary
Very important and needed for something to work or be safe.
Patrón de uso:
[something] is critical to/for [something]
Error frecuente:
Learners sometimes confuse 'critical' here with 'criticizing', but this meaning is about importance, not disapproval.
Sinónimos
crucial (Nearly identical in meaning, but sometimes sounds slightly less formal.)
Antónimos
unimportant (Lacking importance or necessity.)
Colocaciones
critical role
|critical point
|critical factor
|critical importance
Temas
business
|science
|daily life
|work
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- It is critical to follow these safety instructions.
- Funding is critical for the project's success.
- Good communication is critical to a healthy relationship.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- Water is critical for life.
- It is critical to wear a helmet.
- Sleep is critical for health.
adjective
B2
property
3
at a dangerous or life-threatening stage
Very serious and possibly leading to death or disaster.
Patrón de uso:
[someone/something] is in a critical condition/state/situation
Sinónimos
serious (Less intense than 'critical', which implies urgency and danger.)
Antónimos
stable (In a safe and unchanging condition, especially in medical contexts.)
Colocaciones
critical condition
|critical state
|critical situation
Temas
health
|emergencies
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- The patient remains in critical condition after surgery.
- The economy is in a critical state.
- We are at a critical point in the negotiations.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- He is in critical condition after the crash.
- The company is in a critical situation.
- The child’s health is critical now.
adjective
technical
B2
property
4
relating to analysis and evaluation
Using careful thinking to judge the good and bad parts of something.
Patrón de uso:
critical thinking/analysis/evaluation
Sinónimos
analytical (Focuses more on breaking down into parts, while 'critical' also involves judgment.)
Antónimos
unquestioning (Accepting without examination or evaluation.)
Colocaciones
critical thinking
|critical analysis
|critical review
Temas
education
|arts
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Ejemplos
- Critical thinking skills are essential for problem-solving.
- The book received much critical acclaim.
- Her essay was a critical analysis of the novel.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- We learn critical thinking in school.
- He wrote a critical review of the movie.
- The class teaches critical reading skills.
Gramática
Forma de diccionario
critical
AFI
GB/kɹˈɪtɪkəl/
US/kɹˈɪtɪkəl/
Sílabas y acento
crit - ic - al (3 sílabas)
Stress on 1st syllable (crit)
Formas de la palabra
Adjective
- Base: critical
Familia de palabras
Core family
Related words
critique
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
uncritical
adjective
uncritically
adverb
Advanced or less common
criticality
noun
Expresiones
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.
Ejemplos
- 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.
Ejemplos
- 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.
Ejemplos
- Data security is mission-critical for this company.
- This software is mission-critical to our daily operations.