critically
KRIHT-ihk-lee
Critically (adv) means In a way that involves careful judgment or analysis. Example: “Students are taught to read texts critically.”
adv
1
In a way that involves careful judgment or analysis.
"Students are taught to read texts critically."
"You should think critically about everything you read online before you share it."
"The committee examined the proposal critically before deciding whether to support it."
2
To an extremely important or serious degree.
"She was critically injured in the accident."
"The reservoir was critically low after months without any rain."
"It is critically important that you take this medicine at the same time every day."
3
In a fault-finding way.
"He spoke critically about the new management."
"My aunt looked critically at my cooking and sighed."
"The reviewer wrote critically of the film, calling it slow and dull."
How to use critically
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWith careful judgment, or to a very serious degree ("critically ill").
Common pairings
critically ill
critically acclaimed
think critically
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more critically
- Superlative
- most critically
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Students are taught to read texts _____.
Etymology
From critical + -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
uncritically
Related words
Rhymes for critically
See all rhymes for critically →Frequently asked questions
What does “critically” mean?
The word “critically” means in a way that involves careful judgment or analysis. In plain terms, with careful judgment, or to a very serious degree ("critically ill").
How do you pronounce “critically”?
“Critically” is pronounced KRIHT-ihk-lee (/ˈkɹɪt.ɪk.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “critically” in a sentence?
Here is “critically” used in a sentence: “Students are taught to read texts critically.”
What is the opposite of “critically”?
The opposite of “critically” — its antonyms — is uncritically.
What part of speech is “critically”?
“Critically” is an adverb.
Is “critically” a common word?
“Critically” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “critically” have?
“Critically” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a way that involves careful judgment or analysis.
What is the difference between 'critically' and 'crucially'?
Both can mean to an extremely important degree, as in 'critically important.' However, 'critically' also means in a way involving careful analysis or fault-finding, meanings that 'crucially' does not carry.
What is the difference between thinking 'critically' and being 'critical'?
Thinking critically means using careful judgment and analysis to evaluate information. Being critical often means finding fault or expressing disapproval, although it can also mean crucial or decisive, depending on context.
