What is critical? Pronunciation and usage in English

critical means . Learn how to pronounce and use critical through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of critical

criticaladjective

/ˈkrɪtɪkl/
Definition & pronunciation of critical

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "critical." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "Crit-" – This part sounds like "grit" – like the feeling of sand between your teeth. So, it’s pronounced like "grit."
  • "-ical" – This part is the key. It's pronounced like "ick" as in "sick," followed by "uhl."

2. Putting it Together:

The full word is pronounced: “grit-ick-uhl”

You can even break it down rhythmically: “grit-ick-uhl” – think of it as three short syllables.

3. Tips & Nuances:

  • Don't stress the 'i' in "critical." Each syllable (“grit,” “ick,” “uhl”) should be relatively equal in length.
  • The “ick” sound is very short and clipped. Don't linger on it.
  • The “uhl” sound is like the "uhl" in "fuel."

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are a few resources:

  • Google Search: Just search "how to pronounce critical" on Google and you'll find audio examples from Merriam-Webster and Cambridge Dictionary.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/critical/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "pronounce critical" on YouTube, and you’ll find many videos.

To summarize: "grit-ick-uhl"

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you a sentence using the word "critical"?

Usage and examples with the word critical in English

Let's break down how to use the word "critical" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As an Adjective (Most Common Usage): Meaning "Important; Crucial"

  • Definition: This is the most frequent way you'll encounter "critical." It describes something that is essential, vital, or profoundly important.
  • Examples:
    • "A critical decision needs to be made about the company’s future." (Means this decision is incredibly important.)
    • "Oxygen is critical for human survival.” (Means it's absolutely vital.)
    • “The review panel had critical feedback about the design.” (Their feedback was important and potentially challenging.)
    • “Access to clean water is a critical resource in developing countries."

2. As an Adjective: Meaning "Severe; Serious" (Often referring to Health)

  • Definition: This describes a condition or situation that is very serious, potentially life-threatening.
  • Examples:
    • “The doctor described his condition as critical.” (Meaning his health was very bad.)
    • “She was in a critical state after the accident.”
    • "The patient requires critical care."

3. As an Adjective: Meaning "Evaluative; Examining Closely" (Often in the context of analysis or judgment)

  • Definition: This is used when you’re talking about analyzing or judging something carefully and objectively. It implies an assessment of strengths and weaknesses.
  • Examples:
    • “The film received critical reviews; many critics hated it.” (Meaning critics gave negative reviews.)
    • “A critical analysis of the text revealed several hidden meanings.” (Meaning a careful examination of the text.)
    • “It’s important to be critical of your own assumptions.” (Meaning to examine your own beliefs carefully.)

4. As a Noun: Meaning "A Point of Importance; Evaluating Factor"

  • Definition: Here, "critical" refers to a specific factor or point that is crucial to understanding or evaluating something.
  • Examples:
    • “The critical success of this project depends on our marketing strategy.” (The marketing strategy is a key factor for success.)
    • “Identifying the critical elements of the problem is the first step to solving it.” (The essential elements.)
    • "Time is a critical factor in this negotiation.” (Important to consider when negotiating.)

Key Differences to Remember:

  • “Important” vs. “Critical”: While often interchangeable, "critical" usually implies a higher level of importance – something without which something else wouldn't exist or wouldn’t function.
  • Health vs. Analysis: Pay attention to the context. If you’re talking about health, “critical” means serious. If you're talking about review or judgment, it means carefully assessing.

Tips for Using "Critical" Correctly:

  • Consider the Context: The meaning of “critical” is heavily reliant on the surrounding words and the situation.
  • Don't Overuse It: “Critical” is a strong word. Use it only when it truly conveys the level of importance you mean. Sometimes “important” or “significant” might be a better choice.

Could you tell me a little more about how you want to use the word "critical" so I can give you more tailored advice? For example:

  • Are you writing a sentence?
  • Are you trying to understand how someone else used it?

Synonyms for the word critical

Practice with vocabulary critical

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The timely submission of all documents is ________ for the approval of your visa application.
  2. A truly effective leader must possess the ability to think ________ and question assumptions.
  3. Despite the initial difficulties, the team achieved a ________ improvement in performance last quarter.
  4. It's ________ to remember to save your work frequently to avoid losing data.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Instructions: Choose all words that fit appropriately in the blank.

  1. The board's decision on the new budget proposal is expected to be ________ for the company's financial stability next year. a) unimportant b) decisive c) pivotal d) critical

  2. Developing a ________ perspective is essential for identifying weaknesses in arguments and fostering innovation. a) compliant b) discerning c) analytical d) critical

  3. After the accident, the patient remained in ________ condition for several days, requiring constant medical attention. a) stable b) grave c) serious d) critical

  4. Before launching the new product, it's ________ to conduct thorough market research to understand consumer demand. a) arbitrary b) advisable c) optional d) mandatory

  5. The new regulations will have a ________ impact on small businesses, leading to significant operational changes. a) minor b) negligible c) profound d) considerable

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is extremely important that you verify all sources before quoting them in your research paper.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "critical" or a related word form.

  2. We need to carefully analyze the project's feasibility to avoid potential risks.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "critical" or a related word form.

  3. For the team to succeed, it is absolutely necessary that every member contributes actively.

    • Rewrite the sentence, but do not use "critical" or any of its forms.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. critical
  2. critically
  3. significant
  4. essential

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b, c, d
  2. b, c, d
  3. b, c, d
  4. b, d
  5. c, d

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Verifying all sources before quoting them in your research paper is critical. (or: It is critical that you verify all sources before quoting them in your research paper.)
  2. We need to conduct a critical analysis of the project's feasibility to avoid potential risks. (or: A critical assessment of the project's feasibility is needed to avoid potential risks.)
  3. For the team to succeed, it is essential that every member contributes actively. (or: Active contribution from every member is paramount for the team's success.)

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