Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
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.
nounCheck this word before you leave
Pick the meaning. Keys A–D work too.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
💡
Imagine 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
criticizeverb
criticismnoun
criticaladjective
criticallyadverb
🔗
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
Examples
- The film critic praised the cinematography but criticized the pacing.
- Many critics argue that the novel relies on cliché tropes rather than original ideas.
Synonyms
reviewercommentatoranalystfaultfinderjudge
Antonyms
admirersupporterapplauder
Etymology
From Latin criticus, via Greek kritikos 'able to judge', from kritēs 'judge'.
Mnemonic
CRITIC: Constantly Reviews In Thorough, Insightful Critiques.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
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).
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.