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critical thinking

American  
[krit-i-kuhl thing-king] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl ˈθɪŋ kɪŋ /

noun

  1. disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence.

    The questions are intended to develop your critical thinking.


Etymology

Origin of critical thinking

First recorded in 1810–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If a middle school, high school or college student can easily use a computer tool to fire off a book report or an essay, what’s the impact on vocabulary, grammar, reading, critical thinking, originality, intellectual curiosity?

From Los Angeles Times

Detecting and defending against cyber-hacking is perhaps harder, and requires both expertise and critical thinking.

From Salon

It really is more soft skills—critical thinking, adaptability.

From The Wall Street Journal

To recommit to ideals that have made a strong liberal arts education foundational to American democracy: critical thinking, dialogue, pluralism, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

From The Wall Street Journal

Journalism requires thought, patience, critical thinking and the application of the scientific method to mass communication.

From Salon