B2noun2K

Critic

UK /["/ˈkrɪtɪk/"]/US /["/ˈkrɪtɪk/"]/

Definition

a person who expresses opinions about the good and bad qualities of books, music, etc.

In simple words: A person who reviews or judges something, like a movie or a book.

Examples

  • The film critic gave the movie a glowing review, praising its storyline and performances.
  • As a food critic, she travels to different cities to sample local cuisines and share her experiences.
  • Many artists welcome feedback from a critic, as it can help them improve their work.
  • Despite being a harsh critic, he always provides constructive feedback to help the artist grow.
  • The critic's negative comments about the play sparked a heated debate among theatergoers.

Usage notes

Used in contexts where evaluation or judgment is required. Commonly applied to arts, food, or performances. Avoid using when discussing personal opinions casually.

Grammar pattern

critic + object

Memory hint

Think of 'critique' — a critic is someone who gives a critique.

Collocations

  • good
  • great
  • incisive
  • hail something
  • praise something
  • rave
  • bitter
  • fierce
  • harsh
  • answer
  • respond to
  • defend yourself against
  • accuse somebody
  • argue something
  • believe something
  • critic of

Synonyms

  • reviewer
  • analyst
  • examiner
  • evaluator
  • recensor

Antonyms

  • supporter
  • advocate

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'criticize', which means to find fault.
  • Using 'critic' when referring to a fan, which has a different meaning.
  • Saying 'critique' when 'critic' is needed.