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REFERENCE

critic

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈkɹɪtɪk// UK //kɹˈɪtɪk// crit·ic Archaic General-service

n. a person whose job is to give opinions about books, movies, or art. It can also mean someone who says they do not like something or someone.

n. a professional who evaluates and provides analytical judgments on creative works such as literature, art, or film. Also refers to a person who expresses formal or informal disapproval of a particular policy, person, or action.


SIMPLE

The movie critic gave the new film a great review.

CONTEXTUAL

The restaurant critic visited the bistro three times before writing her final column for the Sunday paper.

COMPLEX

While the director's latest work was a commercial success, it faced harsh treatment from every major critic who found the plot derivative and the pacing sluggish.

Origin

Borrowed from Middle French critique, from Latin criticus, from Ancient Greek κριτικός (kritikós, “of or for judging, able to discern”), from κρίνω (krínō, “I judge”).

Pitfall

the movie critiquethe movie criticLearners often confuse the person (critic) with the written evaluation (critique).

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