critique

UK /krɪˈtiːk/ US /krɪˈtiːk/ Syllables: cri-tique

Pronunciation

Noun B1 Intermediate Formal

A detailed evaluation or review of something, pointing out both strengths and weaknesses.

A critique is a careful, detailed evaluation of something such as an essay, a film, a plan or a theory. It points out strengths and weaknesses and gives reasons. Teachers give critiques of student work, and reviewers write critiques of books and exhibitions. A critique is not only negative, although people sometimes use the word as if it meant criticism. As a verb, to critique means to review something in this way. The stress falls on the second syllable: crit-IQUE.

"Her professor's critique of the essay was tough but genuinely helpful."

Meanings

A detailed evaluation of something, pointing out good points and weaknesses.
A way of analyzing a subject or an idea, especially in philosophy.

Example sentences

"The teacher gave a helpful critique of my essay."

Level B1, Meaning 1
"Her critique of the film was fair and clear."

Level B2, Meaning 1
"The book is a sharp critique of modern advertising."

Level C1, Meaning 2
"We asked an expert to critique our design."

Level B2, Meaning 1

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

review analysis

Look-alikes and common mistakes

criticism : Criticism is saying what is wrong with something, and is often negative. A critique looks at strengths and weaknesses.
review : A review is a short opinion for readers, such as of a film. A critique is deeper and often given to help the maker improve.

Word family and forms

Forms: critiques, critiqued, critiquing

critic critical criticism criticize

Word partners

Words and phrases that often go with "critique".

offer a critique
a sharp critique
a fair critique
a critique of
critique the draft
a detailed critique

Origin

Critique entered English around 1700 from French, which took it from Greek kritike, meaning the art of judging. The Greek word comes from kritikos, able to judge.

Checked against: Wiktionary, the free dictionary, Dictionary.com.

Usage notes

As a verb, "critique" means to review or evaluate something critically, as in "critique the essay".

How to remember it

Critique rhymes with unique and speak. If you speak your careful opinion, you offer a critique.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "The teacher gave a helpful _____ of my essay."

Answer: critique

In your own words, what does "critique" mean?