Critic
A person who judges the merits and faults of something, such as a work of art, performance, or writing; someone who habitually expresses critical opinions about others' work.
nounCritic
A person who judges the merits and faults of something, such as a work of art, performance, or writing; someone who habitually expresses critical opinions about others' work.
nounImagine This
Picture a famous theater critic in the front row, notebook ready, eyes narrowed as they evaluate every line, gesture, and costume, then jot down sharp notes that could make or break a show.
Sounds Like
KRIT-ik
Looks Like
Looks like critical, critique, and critique-related words because of the shared root crit- meaning 'to judge'.
Remember This
Critic can refer to someone who analyzes art or ideas, but it can also carry a slightly negative tone when describing someone who finds fault often. Related forms include criticize (verb) and criticism (the evaluation itself).
Other Forms
Connect With
reviewer, judge, analyst, commentator, critique
Note
Differentiate between critic (the person) and criticize (the action). Use criticism to refer to the evaluation, not the person. In positive contexts, a 'constructive critic' offers helpful, balanced feedback.
Study Deeper
- The film critic praised the cinematography but criticized the pacing.
- Many critics argue that the novel relies on clichΓ© tropes rather than original ideas.
From Latin criticus, via Greek kritikos 'able to judge', from kritΔs 'judge'.
CRITIC: Constantly Reviews In Thorough, Insightful Critiques.
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Lumbering
verbTo move slowly and heavily in a clumsy, awkward, and often noisy manner.
Acknowledge
verbTo admit that something is true or real; to recognize the existence, validity, or status of something or someone; and to confirm receipt or awareness of something.
Asperity
nounThe roughness or unevenness of a surface; harshness or sharpness of temper or manner.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
Acronym
nounA word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).