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critique

krih-TEEK /krɪˈtiːk/

nounverbC1GRESATTOEFLIELTS

academicformal

A detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or scientific work.

Focuses on balanced evaluation of strengths and flaws rather than simple fault-finding.

The story behind the word. Borrowed from French critique, originating from Greek kritike tekhne ('the critical art') from krinein ('to judge' or 'separate'). It reached English in the 17th century to describe structured evaluation of philosophy and literature.

Word relationships

criticism: Criticism often implies negative judgment or fault-finding, whereas critique aims for objective evaluation.
appraisal: Appraisal stresses assessing financial or qualitative value, while critique examines logical structure and validity.

praise: Praise expresses uncritical approval or admiration.
endorsement: Endorsement is formal public approval without analytical evaluation.

Commonly confused with

critic: A critic is a person who evaluates, while a critique is the analytical work produced.

Word family

critiqued (verb): Evaluated or analyzed critically.
critiquing (verb): The process of writing or providing an evaluation.

Collocations

constructive critique
scholarly critique
write a critique
subject to critique

Example sentences

"Immanuel Kant's famous work offered a profound critique of pure reason and the limits of human understanding." Philosophy
"The committee provided a constructive critique of the draft, noting both its theoretical rigor and empirical gaps." Academic Peer Review

Memory hook

CRITIQUE is a CRITICAL evaluation that seeks truth. Balanced evaluation over emotional complaint.

When not to use

Do not use as a synonym for casual complaining or emotional attacks.

Fun facts

Immanuel Kant cemented 'critique' in philosophical history with his three masterworks (Critique of Pure Reason, Practical Reason, Judgment).