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.

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Etymology

Origin of critical thinking

First recorded in 1810–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

critical thinking

Benjamin Barker, principal at King's Leadership Academy in Liverpool, says he wants his students to learn how to use tools safely, while also developing their critical thinking skills.

From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026

The firm is one of a number of companies trying to foster the critical thinking, judgment and other traits needed to better work alongside AI.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

As students turn to chatbots for schoolwork, teachers and parents also worry that teens will use the tools to cheat or avoid practicing critical thinking skills.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026

Truly creative and inspiring art undermines that goal, because it provokes responses like empathy and critical thinking in audiences — which gets in the way of authoritarian domination.

From Salon ● Jul. 20, 2026

I try to make it seem like I’m also pondering something, even though I’ve hit my limit of critical thinking for the day.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer