critical
3 ENTRIES FOUND:
Britannica Dictionary definition of CRITICAL
1
[more critical; most critical]
:
expressing criticism or disapproval
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You're always so critical.
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They are often critical of the mayor's policies. [=they often criticize the mayor's policies]
2
:
of or relating to the judgments of critics about books, movies, art, etc.
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The book received much critical acclaim. [=many critics said good things about the book]
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critical writings/theory
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The movie was a critical success [=critics liked the movie], but it didn't make much money.
3
:
using or involving careful judgment about the good and bad parts of something
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The program presents a critical analysis of the government's strategies.
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She has a talent for critical thinking.
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We need to look at these proposed changes with a critical eye before we accept them.
4
[more critical; most critical]
:
extremely important
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We have reached a critical phase of the experiment.
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It is absolutely critical [=vital, essential] for us to remain together.
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This is a matter of critical importance to the future of our country.
5
[more critical; most critical]
medical
:
relating to or involving a great danger of death
— sometimes used figuratively
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He suffered critical injuries in the accident.
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The patient is in critical condition. = The patient is critical. [=the patient is very sick or injured and may die]
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a nurse who specializes in critical care [=the care of patients who are in critical condition]
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patients who are on the critical list
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a government program that is on the critical list [=that is in danger of failing or being eliminated]
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He spoke critically of the mayor's policies. [=he criticized the mayor's policies]
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The movie was critically acclaimed.
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She taught me to think critically about books.
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This matter is critically important to the future of our country.
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a critically ill person
