Reading Theme:
Critic: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：professional reviewer (critic)
critic
/ˈkrɪtɪk/
n.
A person whose job is to judge and write or talk about the good and bad parts of art, movies, books, music, etc.
professional reviewer
➕
/prəˈfɛʃənl rɪˈvjuːər/
n.
A person whose job is to form and express judgments about the quality of art, literature, music, etc.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'kritikos' (able to judge), from 'krinein' (to separate, decide).
💡 Mnemonic
C-r-i-t-i-c sounds like 'critique' – a critic gives critique; think of a critic critiquing a film.
📖 Example
The film critic wrote a glowing review of the new movie, praising its beautiful cinematography and powerful acting.
The film critic wrote a glowing review of the new movie, praising its beautiful cinematography and powerful acting.
🔗 Collocations
film critic – a critic who specializes in reviewing movies
music critic – a critic who evaluates musical performances and recordings
art critic – a critic who analyzes and judges works of visual art
🔄 Synonyms
reviewer (n.) – a person who writes critical assessments of books, movies, etc.
commentator (n.) – a person who discusses and offers opinions on events or works
judge (n.) – a person who evaluates quality or merit, especially in competitions
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
In ancient Greece, a 'kritikos' was a judge or arbiter in literary contests. The term evolved into Latin 'criticus' and entered English in the 16th century, referring to a person skilled in evaluating art and literature.
Meaning 2：faultfinding person (critic)
critic
/ˈkrɪtɪk/
n.
A person who often says what is wrong or bad with something or someone.
faultfinding person
➕
/ˈfɔːltˌfaɪndɪŋ ˈpɜːrsən/
n.
A person who habitually finds fault or expresses negative opinions about things.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My colleague is always a harsh critic of new office policies, pointing out every single possible problem before even trying them.
My colleague is always a harsh critic of new office policies, pointing out every single possible problem before even trying them.
🔗 Collocations
harsh critic – a person who expresses very severe disapproval
severe critic – a critic who is extremely strict and demanding
constant critic – someone who repeatedly finds fault without pause
🔄 Synonyms
faultfinder (n.) – a person who habitually looks for and points out flaws
detractor (n.) – a person who belittles or disparages something
cynic (n.) – a person who believes people are motivated by self-interest and tends to be distrustful
🚫 Antonyms
supporter (n.) – a person who gives encouragement and approval
enthusiast (n.) – a person who is very interested in and excited about something
ally (n.) – a person who cooperates with or helps another
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