Meaning of the word criticism

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Criticism is the construction of a judgement about the negative qualities of someone or something. Criticism can range from impromptu comments to a written detailed response.^[1] Criticism falls into several overlapping types including «theoretical, practical, impressionistic, affective, prescriptive, or descriptive».^[2]

Criticism may also refer to an expression of disapproval of someone or something.^[1] When criticism of this nature is constructive it can make an individual aware of gaps in their understanding and it can provide distinct routes for improvement.^[3][4][5] Research supports the notion that using feedback and constructive criticism in the learning process is very influential.^[6][7][8]

Critique vs. criticism: In French, German, or Italian, no distinction is drawn between ‘critique’ and ‘criticism’. The two words both translate as critique, Kritik, and critica, respectively.^[9] In the English language, philosopher Gianni Vattimo suggests that criticism is used more frequently to denote literary criticism or art criticism while critique refers to more general and profound writing as Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason.^[9] Another distinction that is sometimes made is that critique is never personalized nor ad hominem^[9] and is presented in a way that encourages rebuttal or expansion of the ideas expressed. Nonetheless, the distinctions are subtle and ambiguous at best.^[9]

The term «brickbat» is sometimes used to mean «an unfavourable criticism, unkind remark or sharp put-down». The term originated in the 17th century, derived from the practice of throwing bricks as projectiles at a person who was disapproved of.^[10][11]

In some contexts, such as literary criticism and art criticism, the word criticism is used as a neutral word that is synonymous with evaluation. ^[12]

Criticism in academia[edit]

Critical Studies and Critical Theory programs teach the method of critique, also known as “criticism”. Both theory and studies programs often sample new works in addition to the classical texts.^[13] UC Berkeley, CUNY, and Northwestern University offer programs in Critical Theory, while a number of other colleges and universities offer programs or sole courses in Critical Studies, Critical Theory, and sub-disciplines. Sub-disciplines include Critical Race Studies, Critical Asian Studies, Critical Black Studies, and Critical Disability Studies.^[14] The term “critical” can be found in course titles concerning a variety of topics, as the term refers to a method or approach to course materials.

Some claim “critical” studies have a particular focus in their perspective or opinion,^[15] confusing the method of critique with individual critiques. The recent appearance of “critical” studies and theory further compounds the conflation of particular authors with the new method and discipline. Additionally, the method and disciplines are distinguished from analysis or traditional objectivist or hard sciences by their allowances for subjectivity in the perspective of the author.

Criticism of criticism[edit]

Journalist and writer H. L. Mencken argued that «criticism is little more than a branch of homiletics. They judge a work of art, not by its clarity and sincerity, not by the force and charm of its ideas, not by the technical virtuosity of the artist, not by his originality and artistic courage, but simply and solely by his orthodoxy.»^[16]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• Gosse, Edmund William (1911). «Criticism» . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 7 (11th ed.). pp. 468–470.

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Criticism is a word used in two senses. Originally, it meant «a scholarly analysis and balanced judgement». Later (mid-20th century) it came to mean «a hostile attack» pointing out the bad features of the topic.

1. Constructive criticism: criticism to evaluate and improve. This is an important activity, especially when dealing with young people. Parents and teachers often use this kind of criticism. In adult life it is widely used in literature, the arts and science.
2. Negative or destructive criticism: criticism as an attack on a person or idea. Negative criticism is often interpreted as an attack against a person (ad hominem), and appears often in debates between political opponents.

History of the word[change | change source]

In ancient Greek kritos meant judge, and kritikos meant the critic. Related Greek terms are krinein (separating out, deciding), krei- (to sieve, discriminate, or distinguish). The word moved from Greek to Latin (Criticus, a judge) to French (critique) to English. The words «critic» and «critical» existed in the English language from the mid-16th century, and the word «criticism» first made its appearance in English in the early 17th century.^[1]

[change | change source]

• Art critic
• Critic
• Critical thinking
• Textual criticism

References[change | change source]

критика, критицизм, критический разбор, критическая статья

существительное ↓

Словосочетания

the antiseptic effect of sturdy criticism — очищающее дествие здоровой критики  
temperate in his response to criticism — умеренный в своей реакции на критику  
impervious to criticism — невосприимчивый к критике  
sarcastic criticism — язвительная критика  
swingeing criticism — резкая критика  
an easy target for criticism — удобная мишень для критики  
unsound criticism — необоснованная критика  
unsparing in praise / criticism — не скупящийся на похвалу, критику  
be supersensitive to criticism — болезненно воспринимать критику  
be tolerant of criticism — относиться терпимо к критике  
run the gauntlet of criticism — подвергнуться жесточайшей критике  
submit for criticism — представить на заключение  

Примеры с переводом

Примеры, ожидающие перевода

Возможные однокоренные слова

critic  — критик, рецензент, критикан, критический, нормируемый, разборчивый

Формы слова

noun
ед. ч.(singular): criticism
мн. ч.(plural): criticisms

Last Updated:
6 Apr 2023
— Updated example sentences

Honest and earnest criticism from those whose interests are most nearly touched, —criticism of writers by readers, of government by those governed, of leaders by those led, —this is the soul of democracy and the safeguard of modern society. ❋ William Edward Burghardt (1903)

My main criticism is that the movie fails to make the distinction between real experiment and thought experiment. ❋ Unknown (2009)

The main criticism is the Amazon behemoth DRM (Digital Rights Management) issue, where the formats are locked and incompatible with other devices. ❋ Unknown (2009)

The pursuit of complexity in criticism is one thing, and it is certainly true all critics need not be generalists, hoping one day to reach even that reader of U.S.A. Today. ❋ Unknown (2010)

When you use the term criticism, are you really referring to passing judgment? ❋ Unknown (2010)

I cannot understand how so many commenters come to this site and see “pitchforks and burning torches” … Someone MIGHT be able to make the argument that some of the criticism is a pushing it a little but, overall, everyone seems pretty reasonable. ❋ Unknown (2010)

As such, they gave Texas a better chance of winning (unlikely but feasible had they gotten the ball back) and this criticism is absurd. shmalex Says: ❋ Unknown (2010)

Much of the criticism is about Notre Dame and their role in honoring Obama and not necessarily opposing Obama’s speech itself. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Whatever the criticism is about Democrats, I will gladly accept them over Repubs anyday. ❋ Unknown (2010)

Maybe the criticism is the explicitly spiritual ending to a previously hard sci-fi story. ❋ Unknown (2009)

The standard response of Ken Livingstone and his team to criticism is to smear the critic, rather than answer the criticism. ❋ Not A Sheep (2008)

This criticism is as much a misunderstanding as a calumny. ❋ Unknown (2007)

Just because reader Steve bought an unidentified $10 box of chocolates doesn’t make his argument valid (if anything it makes it worse), and he doesn’t appear to have read the article in question, as his criticism is addressed directly in the original piece. ❋ Unknown (2006)

With the final sentence the daughter exposes her mother as a fool, and her criticism is all the harsher for its indirection. ❋ Unknown (2005)

Senator Robinson makes clear that his criticism is again that the problem with §3 is that it does not withdraw the federal government from local activities. ❋ Unknown (2004)

I mean, from what I can tell, the criticism is a bit subjective and nothing really concrete has occured. ❋ Unknown (2002)

Rather, the criticism is aimed at the single-mindedness of the focus on nuclear power that led to a comparative neglect of many other alternatives, including not only alternative energy sources but improvements in the efficiency of energy utilization. ❋ Unknown (2000)

He knew perfectly well that what you call criticism is engendered by respect and affection, Dot by any feelings of aversion. ❋ Peter, Ustinov (1977)

john:faith your boyfriend is an [ugly bitch]
faith:[shut up john] ur an asshol dont talk to me
john:haha you [caint] take the criticism ❋ John.p (2007)

dude 1 : How did you like my new girl?
dude 2 : I knew her in high school she used to be a real slut.
dude 1 : What the fuck is that supposed to mean?
dude 2 : Not to be critical, [just sayin].
dude 1 : oh, [allright] it»s cool.
dude 2 *[shakes head] in disbelief* ❋ TV CAR (2010)

Let’s use music as the criticism here:
[Criticizer]: Personally, I think your [vocal range] is a bit limited.
Person Who Can’t Take Criticism: ppfft stfu u cant [do better] at all
Criticizer: Does that matter? Since when did pointing out another person’s flaws mean you had to be better than that person?
Person Who Can’t Take Criticism: always ❋ Mr.Musec (2011)

[Critic]: Your performance was very impressive! However, there are a couple minor nitpicks I have-
[Narcissist]: Why don’t you fucking do it if you’re so goddamn smart, huh!?
Viewer: Oh, [whatsamatta] with you? Can’t take a little criticism?
Critic: No shit. ❋ Intelligence001 (2020)

[The Critic] [rejected] [my word]. ❋ LlamaMama902 (2015)

[Critic] ‘Dude, [you SUCK] at guitar’
Billy ‘Oh, so I guess you’re a guitar [genius] then?’
Critic ‘No, I can’t play guitar’ ❋ Billy D. Kid (2006)

[The Critic] was one of those cartoons everybody could enjoy, much like the Simpsons(it even had some of the same producers). [It was funny] but no too over the top. Why this show was cancelled is [beyond me]. ❋ Doomsday Jesus (2006)

[Critical Critic] wouldn’t [put up with] that shit, he’d be [all over it]. ❋ Harry B (2004)

«Critics are men who watch a battle from a high place, come down and masturbate over [the corpses]» ~ [Ernest Hemingway] on being a [critic] ❋ Kodiac1 (2006)

Kevin: Hey man, I think I might get some golf lessons.
Jay: Why man [arn’t] [you good] already?
Kevin: Yea, but i think it would be good if someone critiqued my swing.
Jay: Oh you mean you want [critication]!
Kevin: Yea bro I want critication. ❋ Kentuckysunrise22 (2010)

Asked by: Miss Molly Goldner

Score: 4.4/5
(3 votes)

Criticism is the practice of judging the merits and faults of something.
The one who judge a piece of art is called a critic.
To engage in criticism is to criticise
One specific item of criticism is called a criticism or critique.

What is an example of criticism?

The definition of criticism is to expressing disapproval, or a literary analysis of something by taking a detailed look at the pros, cons and merits. When you tell someone he is lazy, this is an example of criticism.

What is the real meaning of criticism?

the act of passing judgment as to the merits of anything. the act of passing severe judgment; censure; faultfinding. the act or art of analyzing and evaluating or judging the quality of a literary or artistic work, musical performance, art exhibit, dramatic production, etc.

What does criticize mean in simple words?

1 : to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly : evaluate He asked me to criticize his drawings. 2 : to find fault with : point out the faults of His boss criticized him for his sloppy work.

Who is a critic person?

A critic is someone who finds fault with something and expresses an unfavorable opinion. … The word critic came into English by way of Latin, tracing back to the Greek word krinein, meaning “judge, decide.” If you’re a critic, you’re essentially judging something — and finding it lacking.

45 related questions found

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

critic +‎ -ism

Pronunciation[edit]

• IPA^(key): /ˈkɹɪtɪsɪzəm/
• Hyphenation: crit‧i‧cism

Noun[edit]

criticism (countable and uncountable, plural criticisms)

1. (uncountable) The act of criticising; a critical judgment passed or expressed

   The politician received a lot of public criticism for his controversial stance on the issue.

   • 2019 September 3, David Karpf, “Bret Stephens Compared Me to a Nazi Propagandist in the New York Times. It Proved My Point.”, in Esquire‎^[1]:

     Bret Stephens believed that, by virtue of his comfortable position at the New York Times, he ought to be immune from insult or criticism.

2. (countable) A critical observation or detailed examination and review.

   The politician received several detailed criticisms of his stance on the issue.

   • 1874, Thomas Hardy, Far From the Madding Crowd, Barnes & Noble Classics (2005 publication of 1912 Wessex edition), page 276:

     Her attitude was that of a person who listens, either to the external world of sound, or to the discourse of thought. A close criticism might have detected signs proving that she was intent on the latter alternative.

   Synonyms: critique, animadversion, censure

Derived terms[edit]

[edit]

• critic
• criticise
• critical

Translations[edit]

References[edit]

• Douglas Harper (2001–2023), “criticism”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.
• criticism in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913

Further reading[edit]

• «criticism» in Raymond Williams, Keywords (revised), 1983, Fontana Press, page 84.

Romanian[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From French criticisme.

Noun[edit]

criticism n (uncountable)

1. criticism

Declension[edit]

• 1
  criticism
  
  

  criticism [ˊkrɪtɪˏsɪzǝm]

  n

  1) кри́тика;

  2) крити́ческий разбо́р, крити́ческая статья́

  Англо-русский словарь Мюллера > criticism

• 2
  criticism
  
  

  Patent terms dictionary > criticism

• 3
  criticism
  
  

  Персональный Сократ > criticism

• 4
  criticism
  
  

  Politics english-russian dictionary > criticism

• 5
  criticism
  
  

  1. n критика

  2. n литературно-художественная критика

  3. n критический разбор; критическая статья

  4. n филос. критицизм, критическая философия; кантианство

  Синонимический ряд:

  1. blame (noun) blame; censure; condemnation; denunciation; reprehension; reprobation

  2. comment (noun) analysis; appraisal; comment; commentary; critique; note; notice; review; reviewal; study

  3. faultfinding (noun) animadversion; carping; caviling; disapproval; faultfinding; opprobrium; reproach; reproof; vitriol

  Антонимический ряд:

  English-Russian base dictionary > criticism

• 6
  criticism
  
  

  [ˈkrɪtɪsɪzm]

  criticism критика; beneath criticism ниже всякой критики; destructive criticism уничтожающая критика criticism критика criticism критический разбор, критическая статья criticism критика; beneath criticism ниже всякой критики; destructive criticism уничтожающая критика informed criticism справедливая критика maintain criticism критиковать textual criticism текстология, критическое изучение текста (особ. с целью восстановления его первоначальной формы) textual: textual текстовой; относящийся к тексту; textual criticism текстология, критическое изучение текста (особ. с целью восстановления его первоначальной формы)

  English-Russian short dictionary > criticism

• 7
  criticism
  
  

  Большой англо-русский и русско-английский словарь > criticism

• 8
  criticism
  
  

  n

  — shield smb. from criticism

  2)

  филос.

  критицизм, «критическая» философия

  •

  English-russian dctionary of diplomacy > criticism

• 9
  criticism
  
  

  [‘krɪtɪsɪz(ə)m]

  n

  
  — just criticism
  — destructive criticism
  — criticism of the next generations
  — beneath criticism
  — be above criticism
  — give one’s criticism of smth
  — subject smb, smth to criticism

  ASSOCIATIONS AND IMAGERY:

  Существительное criticism и глагол to criticize сравнимы с нанесением кому-либо удара, причинением неприятности, болезненного ощущения, что в явном виде выражено в таких словосочетаниях, как: she hit out angrily at the judge’s decision она резко ответила на решение судьи; he lashed out at me accusing me of not caring он набросился на меня, обвинив меня в равнодушии; they tore me to pieces/shreds они разнесли меня в пух и прах; don’t beat yourself over this не кори себя за это; don’t knock what you don’t understand не лезь в то, чего ты не понимаешь; there is no need to jump down my throat ни к чему наступать мне на горло/хватать меня за горло

  English-Russian combinatory dictionary > criticism

• 10
  criticism
  
  

  [ʹkrıtısız(ə)m]

  1. критика

  slashing [violent, bitter] criticism — уничтожающая [яростная, резкая] критика

  to be open to criticism — а) давать повод для критики; б) не возражать против критики

  2. 1) литературно-художественная критика

  literary [drama] criticism — литературная [театральная] критика

  2) критический разбор; критическая статья

  3.

  критицизм, критическая философия; кантианство

  НБАРС > criticism

• 11
  criticism
  
  

  сущ.

  See:

  3) критицизм

  See:

  Англо-русский экономический словарь > criticism

• 12
  criticism
  
  

  [‘krɪtɪsɪz(ə)m]

  сущ.

  1) критика

  2) критика

  4) критический отзыв, критическая статья; рецензия

  Syn:

  Англо-русский современный словарь > criticism

• 13
  criticism
  
  

  Англо-русский синонимический словарь > criticism

• 14
  criticism
  
  

  noun

  1) критика; beneath criticism ниже всякой критики; destructive criticism уничтожающая критика

  2) критический разбор, критическая статья

  Syn:

  disapproval

  * * *

  (n) критицизм; критическая философия; критические замечания; критический анализ; критический разбор; нападение с критикой

  * * *

  * * *

  [‘crit·i·cism || ‘krɪtɪsɪzəm]
  критика, критический разбор, критическая статья, критицизм [филос.]

  * * *

  замечание

  замечания

  критика

  * * *

  1) критика
  2) критика

  Новый англо-русский словарь > criticism

• 15
  criticism
  
  

  subject to the criticism имеет тот недостаток, что…;

  criticism can be made as to А А не свободен от критики; А не без изъяна; А не свободен от недостатков

  English-Russian dictionary of scientific and technical difficulties vocabulary > criticism

• 16
  criticism
  
  

  English-Russian big medical dictionary > criticism

• 17
  criticism
  
  

  1. критика;

  2. литературно-художественная практика;

  3. критицизм; критиканство.

  * * *

  сущ.

  1) критика;

  2) литературно-художественная практика;

  3) критицизм; критиканство.

  Англо-русский словарь по социологии > criticism

• 18
  criticism
  
  

  Large English-Russian phrasebook > criticism

• 19
  criticism
  
  

  Англо-русский словарь экономических терминов > criticism

• 20
  criticism
  
  

  Англо-русский технический словарь > criticism

1 

2 

3