English · Adjectives
critical
/ˈkrɪt.ɪ.kəl/
[/ˈkrɪt.ɪ.kəl/]
crucial; judging
Intermediateadjective
Definition
Extremely important; or expressing careful, often negative, judgment.
Example
Clean water is critical for survival in regions affected by long droughts.
Clean water is critical for survival in regions affected by long droughts.
Etymology
From Greek 'kritikos' (able to judge), from 'krinein' (to separate, decide).
How & Where It’s Used
Means both vitally important and fault-finding.