noun

critical thinking

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Critical thinking (noun) means the practice of examining information, arguments and assumptions carefully before accepting a conclusion, weighing the evidence and reasoning rather than taking a claim at face value. Example: “The course is designed to develop critical thinking rather than memorisation.”

noun

The practice of examining information, arguments and assumptions carefully before accepting a conclusion, weighing the evidence and reasoning rather than taking a claim at face value.

"The course is designed to develop critical thinking rather than memorisation."

"A little critical thinking would have exposed the flaws in the report."

business The set of skills employers and educators associate with this practice, such as evaluating sources, spotting bias and faulty logic, and reaching decisions that can be justified.

"The job advert lists critical thinking and problem solving as essentials."

How to use critical thinking

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThinking carefully about whether something is actually true before you believe it.

When to use it

Neutral and widespread in education, hiring and journalism. Here 'critical' means analytical, not fault-finding.

Memory tip

Do not read 'critical' as negative. Critical thinking can end in agreement — it describes how the conclusion was reached, not what it was.

Easily confused with

critical thinking vs analytical thinking critical thinking vs criticism critical thinking vs problem solving

Common pairings

critical thinking skills develop critical thinking apply critical thinking critical thinking exercise

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “critical thinking” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The course is designed to develop _____ rather than memorisation.

Synonyms

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reasoning analysis logical thinking reflective judgement scepticism

Antonyms

credulity dogmatism groupthink

Related words

research thinking analysis argument assessment logic evaluation diagnosis

Rhymes for critical thinking

linking winking thinking blinking drinking stinking clinking shrinking rethinking overthinking

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between critical thinking and criticism?

Criticism means pointing out faults, usually in someone else's work. Critical thinking is a method of assessment that tests your own reasoning as rigorously as anyone else's and may well confirm that a claim is sound.

What is the difference between critical thinking and analytical thinking?

Analytical thinking breaks a problem into parts to see how it works. Critical thinking goes further and judges the results — asking whether the evidence supports the conclusion, whether the source is reliable and what assumptions are hidden in the question.

How do you improve critical thinking?

Ask what evidence a claim rests on, who benefits from your believing it, and what would have to be true for it to be false. Reading arguments you disagree with and writing out your reasoning both make hidden assumptions visible.

What is the meaning of critical thinking?

"critical thinking" (noun) means the practice of examining information, arguments and assumptions carefully before accepting a conclusion, weighing the evidence and reasoning rather than taking a claim at face value.

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research thinking analysis argument assessment logic evaluation diagnosis