critical etymology

Etymology:

The word "critical" is derived from the Greek word "kritikos," which means "able to judge or discern." It is also related to the word "krites," which means "judge."

Meaning:

In general, "critical" means:

• Relating to or involving criticism
• Discerning or judicious in judgment
• Expressive of or involving disapproval or censure
• Relating to a critical period or stage
• Involving careful evaluation or analysis

Origin:

The concept of criticism and the word "critical" have a long history dating back to ancient Greece. In ancient Athens, criticism was considered an essential part of public discourse. Citizens were encouraged to scrutinize and debate ideas and policies, and to hold their leaders accountable.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle devoted a work to the subject of criticism, entitled "Poetics," which laid the foundation for literary criticism. Aristotle emphasized the importance of evaluating a work of art or literature based on its own merits, rather than on external factors such as the author's reputation or the prevailing fashion.

Over the centuries, the concept of criticism has evolved and been applied to various fields, including art, literature, music, science, and politics. In each case, criticism involves careful evaluation, analysis, and judgment.

Usage in Modern English:

In modern English, "critical" is used in a wide range of contexts, including:

• Literary criticism: Analyzing and evaluating works of literature
• Art criticism: Evaluating and discussing works of art
• Music criticism: Analyzing and reviewing musical performances and recordings
• Film criticism: Analyzing and reviewing movies
• Scientific criticism: Peer review and evaluation of scientific research
• Political criticism: Examining and commenting on political policies and actions
• Everyday usage: Expressing disapproval or negative judgment (e.g., "The movie was critical of the government")

critical relate terms

• critic

  Etymology Old French critique Late Latin critica Greek kritikē feminine of kritiko

• crit

  Etymology The word crit has two possible etymologies From French critique meani

• criticism

  Etymology The word criticism comes from the Greek word kritikos which means judge

• critical

  Etymology The word critical is derived from the Greek word kritikos which means ab

• climacteric

  Etymology Climacteric derives from Greek κλιμακτήρ klimaktēr meaning lad

• recension

  Etymology French récension Latin recensio Meaning A critical review of a sc

• conjuncture

  Etymology The word conjuncture comes from the Latin term coniunctio which means joi

• caustic

  Etymology Late Latin causticus Greek kaustikos meaning burning fit for burning Fr

• crucial

  Etymology Latin cruciālis of the cross Proto Indo European krewk crucify han

• dissection

  Etymology The word dissection comes from the Latin word dissecare which means to cu

• diatribe

  Etymology Latin diatriba from Greek διατριβή diatribē Meaning A bitt

• mass

  Etymology The word mass has origins in multiple languages Latin missa meaning d

• stoke

  Etymology The word stoke has its origins in two Old English words stocian verb