noun
Common
critique
krih-TEEK
Critique (noun) means a detailed, thoughtful assessment of something, pointing out both strengths and weaknesses. Example: “The professor wrote a lengthy critique of the student's thesis.”
noun
1
A detailed, thoughtful assessment of something, pointing out both strengths and weaknesses.
"The professor wrote a lengthy critique of the student's thesis."
"Her critique of the play praised the acting but questioned the ending."
"I found his critique helpful because it was fair and specific."
verb
1
To give a detailed assessment of something, evaluating its merits and faults.
"She asked her editor to critique the first three chapters."
"Our teacher asked us to critique each other's presentations in small groups."
"He was invited to critique the architect's plans for the new library."
How to use critique
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA careful, balanced review of something's strengths and weaknesses, or the act of giving one.
Common mistake
A "critique" is more balanced and constructive than plain "criticism," which often just points out faults.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
give a critique
critique someone's work
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Word forms
- Plural
- critiques
- Third person singular
- critiques
- Past tense
- critiqued
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The professor wrote a lengthy _____ of the student's thesis.
Etymology
Borrowed from French critique, from New Latin critica, related to Latin criticus, "critical."
Synonyms
View more →
appraisal
evaluation
review
animadversion
criticism
criticization
dressing-down
handbagging
slam
stricture
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for critique
See all rhymes for critique →Frequently asked questions
What does “critique” mean?
The word “critique” means a detailed, thoughtful assessment of something, pointing out both strengths and weaknesses. In plain terms, a careful, balanced review of something's strengths and weaknesses, or the act of giving one.
How do you pronounce “critique”?
“Critique” is pronounced krih-TEEK (/kɹɪˈtik/ in IPA).
How do you use “critique” in a sentence?
Here is “critique” used in a sentence: “The professor wrote a lengthy critique of the student's thesis.”
What is another word for “critique”?
Words with a similar meaning to “critique” include animadversion, criticism, criticization, dressing-down, handbagging and slam.
What is the opposite of “critique”?
The opposite of “critique” — its antonyms — are accolade, applause, encomium, plaudit and tribute.
What part of speech is “critique”?
Depending on how it is used, “critique” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “critique” come from?
The word “critique” comes from New Latin. Borrowed from French critique, from New Latin critica, related to Latin criticus, "critical.".
Is “critique” a common word?
“Critique” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a critique and a criticism?
A critique is a detailed, balanced assessment that points out both strengths and weaknesses, while criticism, especially in everyday use, often implies mainly negative judgment or fault-finding. Critique carries a more neutral, analytical tone, often associated with academic, creative, or professional feedback.
When should you use critique instead of review?
Use critique when the assessment is expected to be detailed and analytical, examining both merits and flaws in a structured way, such as in art, writing, or academic settings. "Review" is more general and can range from a brief star rating to a full evaluation, without necessarily implying the same depth of analysis.
Is critique used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, critique functions as both a noun, meaning a detailed assessment, and a verb, meaning to give such an assessment, as in "the professor critiqued the students' essays." Both uses are standard in academic and professional English.
