critically
/ˈkrɪtɪkli
/adverb
1In a way that expresses disapproval: a designer spoke critically of capitalism...
- Some of my remarks here are directed toward conventional scientists, who generally refrain from commenting critically on the wild ideas of a few of their colleagues because it is bad manners.
- Still, they responded critically on Wednesday to earlier reports of a purchase deal.
- Looking at each other critically and building their own inadequacies out of competition and indeterminate goals, they rush forward thinking they have somehow grown beyond the mistakes of their youth.
2In a way that expresses or involves an analysis of the merits and faults of a work of literature, music, or art: a critically acclaimed novel...
- In October, one of the most critically acclaimed artists working in Ireland will exhibit her work.
- He held several critically acclaimed one-man exhibitions in the 1820s.
- This painting style was critically embraced as representing quintessential French qualities.
2.1In a way that involves the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement: the reader must evaluate critically every article he or she reviews...
- Apart from a few honourable exceptions, the architects never seem to have examined their actions critically.
- He critically reviewed the range of possibilities.
- This discussion format encourages students to think critically about problems in a variety of ways.
3 [as submodifier] To a potentially disastrous degree: the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal...
- Some breeds of cattle, sheep and pigs are critically low in numbers.
- When the hurricane struck, many local businesses were destroyed or critically damaged.
- The continued occupation is critically harming the country's security.
3.1 [as submodifier] To an extreme degree with a risk of death: two critically wounded people died in hospital critically ill patients who were awaiting surgery...
- A 30 year old man was critically injured in a road crash.
- A teenager, who was critically injured, has been flown home to be closer to his family.
- Their mother, Jacqueline, is still critically ill in hospital.
3.2With decisive or crucial importance in the success, failure, or existence of something: the livelihood of rural people critically depends on the use of natural resources...
- I applaud them for pursuing this critically important health issue.
- Grassroots development is of course critically needed.
- Dairy is critically important to agriculture.