26984 words

critically

9 definitions • 17 examples
1
in a way that is very serious or dangerous, so that there is a risk of death:

Examples:

critically injured They were both critically injured in the accident.
critically ill Two of the children were critically ill after ingesting the substance.
critically endangered Last year these three species were classified as critically endangered (= there is a risk they will disappear completely).
2
in a way that is very important and makes the difference between failure and success:

Examples:

critically important It is critically important that we have the best intelligence possible about threats to our national security.
Getting enough exercise is critically important to our health.
The product did not boost market share or, critically, make money from online sales.
3
in a way that shows you have thought seriously about something, considering what is good and what is bad about it:

Examples:

He believed it was a filmmaker's duty to view society critically.
think critically We want all our students to develop into mature citizens who are able to think critically.
critically examine Before the technique starts to be widely used in hospitals, it needs to be critically examined.
4
in a way that involves criticizing someone or something:

Examples:

She speaks critically of high-profile psychologists without proper qualifications.
"It's a bit messy," he said critically.
5
by or according to people whose job is to give their opinions about literature, films, etc.:

Examples:

critically acclaimed a critically acclaimed TV series
critically lauded He has gone from being a 1970s punk icon to a critically lauded artist.
6
in a way that is of great importance:

Examples:

The parents were critically involved with keeping the school open.
7
very badly or dangerously:

Examples:

She was critically injured in the crash.
8
in a way that shows approval by those whose job is to judge books, movies, etc.:

Examples:

a critically acclaimed novel
9
in a way that expresses an opinion about something or someone, esp. a negative opinion:

Examples:

Industry spokesmen reacted critically to the report.

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