critically
- 1In a way that is so serious it could cause death or total failure.
Like a tower leaning so far that it could fall at any moment.
He was critically hurt in the crash and rushed to the hospital.
The old dam is critically weak and could give way at any time.
Similarseriously, gravely, dangerously, severely
Oppositeslightly, mildly, lightly
Note
- 2At a key moment when the outcome will be decided.
Critically, the supplies arrived just before the road was cut off.
The decision came critically late, after the best chance had already passed.
Similarcrucially, decisively, importantly
Note
- 3In a way that finds fault or shows you do not approve.
Like a teacher marking every error in red pen.
She looked at my drawing critically and pointed out every mistake.
He spoke critically about the new rules at the meeting.
Similardisapprovingly, unfavorably, negatively, censoriously
Oppositeapprovingly, favorably, uncritically
Note
- 4In the view of people who review films, books, or art.
The movie did well critically but very few people went to see it.
Her first novel was critically praised by reviewers.
Note
- 5In a careful, exact way that looks closely and judges well.
Like a judge who checks every fact before deciding.
Read the question critically before you start your answer.
She examined the evidence critically and spotted the error.
Similaranalytically, carefully, skeptically, discerningly
Oppositeuncritically, credulously
Note
Practice
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Origin
From the word "critical" plus "-ly".