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

They are moving away from entry-level tech or statistical analysis and focusing on critical thinking, communication, and human-centric fields, it says.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

By and large, I don’t think most Americans are inclined toward that kind of structured, critical thinking about money and mortality.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

“In my classes, students are increasingly using tools like ChatGPT to offload their critical thinking skills,” Madhav said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

"It takes critical thinking to develop and use AI tools in ways that make real advances in science, technology and the humanities," Burton says.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

Here is what that means—ideologues are narrow-minded people, incapable of independent thought and critical thinking.

From "Towers Falling" by Jewell Parker Rhodes