Library / English Dictionary

CRITICIZE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws

Example:

Don't knock the food--it's free

Synonyms:

criticise; criticize; knock; pick apart

Classified under:

Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing

Hypernyms (to "criticize" is one way to...):

comment; notice; point out; remark (make or write a comment on)

"Criticize" entails doing...:

evaluate; judge; pass judgment (form a critical opinion of)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "criticize"):

censure; criminate; reprimand (rebuke formally)

blast; crucify; pillory; savage (criticize harshly or violently)

admonish; reproof; reprove (take to task)

bawl out; berate; call down; call on the carpet; chew out; chew up; chide; dress down; have words; jaw; lambast; lambaste; lecture; rag; rebuke; remonstrate; reprimand; scold; take to task; trounce (censure severely or angrily)

reprehend; deplore (express strong disapproval of)

belabor; belabour (attack verbally with harsh criticism)

come down (criticize or reprimand harshly)

denounce (speak out against)

blame; find fault; pick (harass with constant criticism)

belittle; disparage; pick at (express a negative opinion of)

nitpick (be overly critical; criticize minor details)

assail; assault; attack; lash out; round; snipe (attack in speech or writing)

harsh on (criticize harshly)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody

Antonym:

praise (express approval of)

Derivation:

critic (someone who frequently finds fault or makes harsh and unfair judgments)

critic (anyone who expresses a reasoned judgment of something)

critic (a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Act as a critic

Example:

Those who criticize others often are not perfect, either

Synonyms:

criticise; criticize

Classified under:

Verbs of fighting, athletic activities

Hypernyms (to "criticize" is one way to...):

act (discharge one's duties)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s

Derivation:

critic (someone who frequently finds fault or makes harsh and unfair judgments)

critic (anyone who expresses a reasoned judgment of something)

critic (a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art)

Credits