critical thinking

American

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

noun

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.

Critical thinking is not at the level it should be.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2023

"Critical thinking is just as important as access to knowledge. That's what makes you a free and emancipated individual," he told the crowd of about 1,000 students.

From Reuters • Apr. 7, 2023

Critical thinking and media literacy have been part of the curriculum for a very long time.

From BBC • Oct. 12, 2022

Critical thinking is set of skills, habits, and attitudes that promote reflective, clear reasoning.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

Critical thinking would be a solution, but we seem to be in short supply.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 4, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023