American English
/ˈkʰɹɪ.ɾɪ.kli/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
In a careful way that examines the good and bad points of something.
“Critically” is commonly pronounced /ˈkʰɹɪ.ɾɪ.kli/. You may also hear /ˈkʰɹɪ.ɾɪ.kə.li/ with a light vowel before the final /l/.
In a careful way that examines the good and bad points of something.
Read the article critically.
She critically evaluated the evidence.
Here, critically means carefully examining something, not only judging it negatively.
critically examine · critically evaluate · think critically
critically examine + noun
think critically about + noun
In a very serious condition, with possible danger to life.
The patient is critically ill.
Two passengers were critically injured.
critically ill · critically injured · critically wounded
be critically ill
be critically injured
In a way that is extremely important or essential.
Accurate data is critically important here.
Critically, we need more time.
critically important · critically dependent on
be critically important to + noun
In the opinion of professional reviewers, especially in a positive way.
The film was critically acclaimed.
Her novel was critically praised.
Critically acclaimed means praised by professional reviewers, not criticized by them.
critically acclaimed film · critically acclaimed author
be critically acclaimed
be critically praised
to examine ideas carefully instead of accepting them immediately
Students should think critically about online claims.
so ill that the person's life may be in danger
The child is critically ill.
praised by professional reviewers
It is a critically acclaimed series.