Reading Theme:
Criticism Definition, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：fault-finding (criticism)
criticism
/ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/
n.
Saying what is wrong with someone's work or action, pointing out the faults.
fault-finding
➕
/ˈfɔːlt ˌfaɪndɪŋ/
n.
The act of expressing disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'kritikos' (able to judge) + '-ism', meaning act of judging faults.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'critic' with an 'ism'—a mindset that judges and points out flaws.
📖 Example
She tried to improve her design after listening to the criticism from her experienced colleagues.
She tried to improve her design after listening to the criticism from her experienced colleagues.
🔗 Collocations
constructive criticism – criticism intended to help improve
harsh criticism – severe and unkind criticism
level criticism at – to direct criticism towards someone or something
🔄 Synonyms
blame (n.) – expression of disapproval for a fault
censure (n.) – strong expression of disapproval
disapproval (n.) – unfavorable opinion or judgment
🚫 Antonyms
praise (n.) – expression of approval or admiration
approval (n.) – favorable opinion or judgment
commendation (n.) – formal praise
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
From Greek 'kritēs' (judge); in 17th century, it expanded from law to literary and art evaluation, notably in Dryden's essays.
Meaning 2：evaluation of creative works (criticism)
criticism
/ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/
n.
The activity of judging and discussing the qualities of books, movies, art, etc.
evaluation of creative works
➕
/ɪˌvæljuˈeɪʃən əv kriˈeɪtɪv wɜːrks/
n.
The activity of making careful judgments about the qualities and significance of creative works such as books, movies, or art.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
I read a piece of film criticism that deeply analyzed the director's use of symbolism.
I read a piece of film criticism that deeply analyzed the director's use of symbolism.
🔗 Collocations
literary criticism – analysis and judgment of literature
film criticism – critical analysis of movies
art criticism – evaluation of visual arts
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
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