First Known Use: 1588
Dictionary
1critic
noun crit·ic \ˈkri-tik\
Definition of CRITIC
1
a : one who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter especially involving a judgment of its value, truth, righteousness, beauty, or technique b : one who engages often professionally in the analysis, evaluation, or appreciation of works of art or artistic performances
2
: one given to harsh or captious judgment
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CRITIC
Latin criticus, from Greek kritikos, from kritikos able to discern or judge, from krinein
Rhymes with CRITIC
2critic
noun
Definition of CRITIC
1
archaic : criticism
2
archaic : critique
Origin of CRITIC
Greek kritikē art of the critic, from feminine of kritikos
First Known Use: 1651
CRITIC Defined for Kids
critic
noun crit·ic \ˈkri-tik\
Definition of CRITIC for Kids
1
: a person who makes or gives a judgment of the value, worth, beauty, or quality of something <a movie critic>
2
: a person who finds fault or complains
Word Root of CRITIC
The Greek word kritikos, meaning “able to judge,” gives us the root critic. Words from the Greek kritikos have something to do with judging. A critic is someone who judges the value or quality or something, such as a movie or book. Someone critical makes a lot of judgments and usually decides that things are not good. To criticize is to make a judgment that something is not good.
Learn More About CRITIC
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up critic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).