Word
critic
Phoneticscrit·ic, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɹɪtɪk/
UK/kɹˈɪtɪk/
Definitions
01professional reviewer
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a person whose job is to judge and write about movies, books, music, or art.
n. a professional who evaluates and provides commentary on artistic or intellectual works.
“The film critic wrote a very positive review of the new superhero movie.”
“The restaurant critic maintained a strict policy of anonymity to ensure that the service she received was representative of a typical diner's experience.”
Usage
Often used with a modifier like 'film', 'art', or 'literary'.
Synonyms
02person who finds fault
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. someone who says that they do not like something or someone, or who points out mistakes.
n. an individual who expresses disapproval or highlights perceived flaws in a person, policy, or action.
“The mayor's critics say that his new plan will cost too much money.”
“Despite the project's initial success, vocal critics argued that the long-term environmental consequences had been systematically ignored during the planning phase.”
Usage
Commonly followed by the preposition 'of'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “critic” in context.
Verb
01. ignore the critics
“The author decided to ignore the critics and continue writing in his own unique style.”
verb + noun
02. silence the critics
“The striker managed to silence the critics by scoring a hat-trick in the final match.”
verb + noun
03. win over the critics
“The new restaurant managed to win over the critics with its innovative fusion menu.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
04. harsh critic
“The director's latest film was panned by a harsh critic who found the plot confusing.”
adj + noun
05. influential critic
“An influential critic praised the young artist, helping her sell out the entire gallery.”
adj + noun
06. vocal critic
“She has become a vocal critic of the government's new environmental policy.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. critics argue that-clause
“Many critics argue that the new law will actually increase poverty in rural areas.”
noun + that-clause
08. film critic
“He works as a professional film critic for a national Sunday newspaper.”
noun + noun
Real-World Examples
“It was a hit with critics and viewers, won awards and regularly makes “greatest ever” lists.” “Critics say the measures address symptoms, not causes.” “Critics of the program say children should have access to non-government lawyers to lower the risk they will be deported.” “Mostafa Eissa, an art critic, said AI should remain a tool, never a decision-maker in its own right.” Etymology
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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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