critically

[ krit-ik-lee ]

/ ˈkrɪt ɪk li /

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See synonyms for critically on Thesaurus.com

adverb

in a judgmental or disapproving manner: The backlash was immediate after he spoke critically of his opponent’s personal life.

in a manner involving skillful analysis of merit, as of a decision or work of art or literature: a critically sanctioned project; critically admired novels.

to a devastating degree, leading to or reaching a crisis: As floodwaters rise, we are critically lacking sandbags and evacuation transport.

seriously or extremely, as of a gravely unstable medical condition: critically injured; a critically ill pneumonia patient.

with decisive or essential importance with respect to the outcome; crucially; indispensably: The success of this experiment critically relies on optimal weather.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!

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Question 1 of 7

“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

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Origin of critically

First recorded in 1645–55; critical + -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM critically

non·crit·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby critically

critical constant, critical constants, critical damping, critical density, criticality, critically, critically endangered, critical mass, critical organ, critical path analysis, critical period

How to use critically in a sentence

“Tangled Up in Blue” is a wonderfully insightful book that provides a lens to critically analyze urban policing and a road map for how our most dispossessed citizens may better relate to those sworn to protect and serve.
A Georgetown professor trades her classroom for a police beat|Ronald S. Sullivan Jr.|February 12, 2021|Washington Post
The species may soon be listed as critically endangered, the gravest rating made by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
A new chameleon species may be the world’s tiniest reptile|Jonathan Lambert|February 4, 2021|Science News
Three have become critically endangered, including the oceanic whitetip, scalloped hammerhead, and great hammerhead sharks.
Sharks and rays are far less abundant in the world’s oceans than 50 years ago|Kate Baggaley|January 27, 2021|Popular-Science
A woman who was critically injured in a vehicle crash last month has died of her injuries, Prince George’s County police said in a news release.
Md. woman critically injured in car crash last month has died, police said|Katie Mettler|January 19, 2021|Washington Post

In mid-October, a little-known but critically important domain name for one country’s internet space began to expire.
A security researcher commandeered a country’s expired top-level domain to save it from hackers|Zack Whittaker|January 15, 2021|TechCrunch
Most critically, the split perspectives of Noah and Alison need to marry more elegantly.
What On Earth Is ‘The Affair’ About? Season One’s Baffling Finale|Tim Teeman|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This is a critically important role, and something I've seen firsthand.
The Valerie Jarrett I Know: How She Saved the Obama Campaign and Why She’s Indispensable|Joshua DuBois|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The film was critically panned upon its release, but has since gained a cult following.
Charles Dance on Tywin Lannister’s S5 Return, A ‘Game of Thrones’ Movie,’ and Sexy Peter Dinklage|Marlow Stern|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Most people pay attention to this only in regards the Supreme Court, but the lower courts are also critically important.
Who Controls the Senate Controls the Courts|Geoffrey R. Stone|November 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Hangover star, currently in the critically acclaimed Birdman, certainly knows how to bring the funny as well as the awkward.
Brad Pitt and Louis C.K. Go ‘Between Two Ferns’|Alex Chancey, The Daily Beast Video|October 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
From his waistcoat pocket he took a little silver convex mirror and surveyed himself critically therein.
Dope|Sax Rohmer
These indications are derived from the study of the lines in the light which the spectrum reveals to us when critically examined.
Outlines of the Earth's History|Nathaniel Southgate Shaler
She put on a warm wrap and seated herself at the dressing-table, studying her face critically.
Dope|Sax Rohmer
"Yes, and I'm afraid it is ruined," Jack answered, taking it in his hand and examining it critically.
The Cromptons|Mary J. Holmes
Two speakers from London were to address the meeting, and Jim gazed very critically on both.
The Chequers|James Runciman