critically

Everyday

1. Critically means very seriously or dangerously, as in critically ill or critically endangered. tree →
2. Critically means by judging carefully what is good and bad, as in think critically. tree →
3. Critically means in a way that finds fault, as in she spoke critically of the plan. tree →

In the lessons

In science and nature lessons, critically endangered species, such as the Sumatran tiger or kakapo, are at very high risk of dying out. In news, a person critically injured needs urgent hospital care. In school, critical thinking means asking: is it true, who says so, how do they know? This helps spot fake news.

Examples

• The kakapo is critically endangered. tree →
• The driver was critically injured in the crash. tree →
• Read the advert critically: what is it trying to sell? tree →
• Scientists think critically about their results. tree →
• The film was critically praised. tree →
• The coach spoke critically about our defending. tree →
• Goll sat twisted round watching the progress of the brawl critically, and Fionn, sitting opposite, watched Goll. tree →

Note

Adverb from critical. Critically acclaimed means praised by critics. Think critically does not mean be negative; it means check carefully.