critique
krih-TEEK
/krɪˈtiːk/
A detailed, systematic evaluation or analysis of a literary work, philosophical idea, or policy.
Focuses on balanced, objective assessment of strengths and weaknesses rather than emotional fault-finding.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'kritike techne' (the art of judgment), rooted in 'krinein' (to sift, judge, or decide). The word passed into French as 'critique' before entering 18th-century English to designate formal philosophical and literary analysis.
Word relationships
- assessment: Assessment evaluates general performance; critique provides an in-depth analytical breakdown.
- review: A review gives consumer guidance or general summary; a critique engages deeply with underlying structure.
- endorsement: A formal public statement of approval or support without detailed analysis.
Commonly confused with
- criticism: Criticism often implies finding fault; critique implies a systematic evaluation of both merits and flaws.
Word family
- critic (noun): A person who evaluates or judges art, literature, or ideas.
- critical (adjective): Expressing analytical judgment or finding fault.
Collocations
- constructive critique
- literary critique
- critique of policy
- offer a critique
Example sentences
- "The professor offered a sharp critique of the paper's central economic assumptions during the seminar." Academic Writing
- "Immanuel Kant revolutionized European thought with his seminal 1781 masterpiece, Critique of Pure Reason." Philosophy
Memory hook
cri-TIQUE: A CRITIC seeking UNIQUE insights into a work. Systematic Evaluation
When not to use
Do not use for brief informal complaints or angry emotional outbursts.
Fun facts
- In ancient Greece, a 'kritikos' was a judge at theatrical competitions appointed to pick winning playwrights.
Related words
Explore more words
scrutinize, Analysis, analyze, analytical, evaluation, inspect
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.