What does "critically" mean?

1. (with careful judgment) in a way that involves careful thinking and judgment about whether something is good or bad. 2. (very seriously or dangerously) in a way that is very serious or dangerous, especially regarding health. 3. (extremely or essentially) to a very high degree, especially when something is necessary for success. 4. (by professional critics) in a way that relates to the opinions of professional reviewers or critics.

How do you use "critically"?

Often modifies verbs of cognition like 'think', 'examine', or 'evaluate'. Commonly used to modify adjectives like 'important', 'dependent', or 'short'. Frequently appears in the collocation 'critically acclaimed'.

critically

adv.

US //ˈkɹɪtɪkəɫi// UK //kɹˈɪtɪkli// crit·i·cal·ly

1 with careful judgment (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

in a way that involves careful thinking and judgment about whether something is good or bad.

in a manner involving the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue or work.

Example

Students are encouraged to think critically about the news they read online.

Example

The thesis requires students to engage critically with existing literature rather than merely summarizing the findings of previous researchers.

Usage

Often modifies verbs of cognition like 'think', 'examine', or 'evaluate'.
- analytically
- thoughtfully
- uncritically
2 very seriously or dangerously (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

in a way that is very serious or dangerous, especially regarding health.

to a level of extreme danger or crisis; often used in medical contexts to describe a patient's unstable condition.

Example

Two people were critically injured in the car accident last night.

Example

The patient remains critically ill in the intensive care unit, though doctors noted a slight improvement in his respiratory function this morning.
- dangerously
- severely
- stably

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3 extremely or essentially (adv.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to a very high degree, especially when something is necessary for success.

to a decisive or crucial degree; used to emphasize that something is essential for a particular outcome.

Example

It is critically important that we finish this project by Tuesday.

Example

The success of the mission depends critically on the timing of the satellite deployment during the narrow launch window.

Usage

Commonly used to modify adjectives like 'important', 'dependent', or 'short'.
- insignificantly
4 by professional critics (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

in a way that relates to the opinions of professional reviewers or critics.

from the perspective of professional critics or reviewers, particularly regarding the arts.

Example

The film was critically acclaimed but did not make much money at the box office.

Example

While the novel was critically panned upon its initial release, it has since gained a massive cult following among younger readers.

Usage

Frequently appears in the collocation 'critically acclaimed'.

Origin

From critical + -ly.