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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

critical thinking

The teacher says the lessons will be tailored to "different ages and stages" with younger pupils needing to be focused on foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills before moving on to practical uses of AI.

From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026

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

Nearly all are requiring ethics courses along the way — as educators continue to grapple with cheating and with fears that heavy AI use will erode critical thinking.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026

“This would be the worst possible time for humans to lose their critical thinking skills,” he wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 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

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