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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Criticize: Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：find fault with (criticize)

criticize 🔊

/ˈkrɪtɪsaɪz/

to say what you think is bad about someone or something.

Person criticizing another in a casual setting with serious expression

find fault with 🔊

➕

/faɪnd fɔːlt wɪð/

To express disapproval of someone or something by pointing out faults or shortcomings.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'kritikos' (able to judge) via Latin 'criticus' + English suffix '-ize'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'critic eyes' – a critic uses sharp eyes to spot flaws, just like when you criticize.

📖 Example

I didn't like the movie's special effects, but I thought the story was good, so I don't want to criticize it too much. 🔊 I didn't like the movie's special effects, but I thought the story was good, so I don't want to criticize it too much.

🔗 Collocations

criticize someone for something – to express disapproval of someone because of a specific action or quality

harshly criticize – to criticize in a very severe or strong manner

openly criticize – to criticize without hiding one's opinion

🔄 Synonyms

condemn (v.) – to express complete disapproval of something, often in a formal way

disapprove (v.) – to have or express an unfavorable opinion about something

blame (v.) – to say that someone is responsible for something bad

🚫 Antonyms

praise (v.) – to express warm approval or admiration of someone or something

approve (v.) – to think that something is good or acceptable

commend (v.) – to praise formally or officially

🌱 Derivatives

criticism (n.) – the act of expressing disapproval and pointing out faults

critic (n.) – a person who expresses an unfavorable opinion of something

critical (adj.) – expressing disapproval or pointing out faults

📖 Cultural Story

Criticize entered English in the 17th century from Greek 'kritikos', originally meaning 'to judge literary works'. It expanded to general fault-finding in the 19th century.

Meaning 2：point out faults in (criticize)

criticize 🔊

/ˈkrɪtɪsaɪz/

to judge and discuss the faults of something seriously.

Newspaper article headline criticizing public policy with red highlights

point out faults in 🔊

➕

/pɔɪnt aʊt fɔːlts ɪn/

To judge and discuss the faults of something seriously, often in a formal or public context.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The newspaper article strongly criticized the new traffic policy, arguing it would cause more congestion. 🔊 The newspaper article strongly criticized the new traffic policy, arguing it would cause more congestion.

🔗 Collocations

strongly criticize – to criticize with great force or intensity

criticize a policy – to express disapproval of a specific plan or rule

widely criticized – receiving criticism from many people or sources

🔄 Synonyms

denounce (v.) – to publicly declare something to be wrong or evil

censure (v.) – to express strong disapproval of someone or something, often officially

condemn (v.) – to express complete disapproval of something, especially in a formal statement

🚫 Antonyms

applaud (v.) – to show approval or praise by clapping or cheering

endorse (v.) – to give one's support or approval publicly

laud (v.) – to praise highly

🌱 Derivatives

critique (n./v.) – a detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary or artistic work

overcritical (adj.) – tending to find too many faults