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.

Common collocations

• critical thinking Adjective + noun

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