# critically

/ˈkɹɪtɪkəɫi/ (US) · /kɹˈɪtɪkli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/critically
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. with careful judgment

adverb · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

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

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

### 2. very seriously or dangerously

adverb · CEFR B2

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

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

- Two people were critically injured in the car accident last night.
- The patient remains critically ill in the intensive care unit, though doctors noted a slight improvement in his respiratory function this morning.

### 3. extremely or essentially

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

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

### 4. by professional critics

adverb · CEFR B2

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

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

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

## Examples

- You should think critically about the news you read online.
- The hospital reported that the driver was critically injured but is now in stable condition.
- To succeed in higher education, students must learn to read critically, questioning the underlying assumptions of every text rather than accepting the author's conclusions at face value.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.