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Added 9 October 2026

critical

/ˈkɹɪt.ɪ.kəl/ adjective

Categories: Describing WordsEveryday Words

In Latin: sonticus Wiktionary

adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about critical at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. Inclined to find fault or criticize.
    A good teacher is fair but critical.
  2. Pertaining to, or indicating, a crisis or turning point.
    This is a critical moment.
  3. Extremely important.
    It's critical that you deliver this on time.

noun

  1. A critical value, factor, etc.
  2. critical hit
  3. In breakdancing, a kind of airflare move in which the dancer hops from one hand to the other.

Origin

From Latin criticus + English -al.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Related Words: faultfindingcensorioushypercriticalpettifoggingquibblingdangerouscavilingvituperativesevereovercriticalcaptiousdire

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