critical

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Extremely important; essential for something to succeed.

   The next few weeks are critical for the success of the project.

2. 2
   adj

   Expressing disapproval by pointing out faults.

   She was very critical of the way the meeting was organized.

3. 3
   adj

   Very serious or dangerous, often involving a crisis.

   The patient is in a critical condition after the accident.

4. 4
   adj

   Involving careful judgment and thoughtful analysis.

   Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Critical, recorded in English from the late 16th century, ultimately derives from Greek krinein, “to decide” or “judge.” It is related to crisis, which originally denoted the decisive turning point in a disease.

From Latin criticus + -al, from Ancient Greek κριτικός (kritikós, “of or for judging, able to discern”), from κρίνω (krínō, “to separate, judge”); also the root of crisis.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary