Words / C1

kri-TEEK/krɪˈtiːk/

A critique is a careful, reasoned assessment of a work or idea: a critique of the policy, offer a critique. Criticism can be mere fault-finding; a critic is a person. Critique as a verb exists but still sounds academic. Review is everyday for books and films. Do not call an angry complaint a critique unless it actually analyses.

Meaning

A careful, reasoned assessment of a work or idea, not only a complaint.

Examples

• “She wrote a critique of the housing policy, not a rant.”
• “Her critique of the housing paper attacked the sample, not the author’s manners.”
• “A two-page critique is harder than a one-line “this is wrong”.”

Good to know

A reasoned assessment. Person: critic. Everyday complaint: criticism. Everyday arts: review. Not a rant.

Near in meaning

assessment

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