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critically
This adverb operates across three distinct semantic domains: intellectual analysis, negative judgment, and extreme urgency. When used in academic or professional contexts, it denotes a rigorous, objective evaluation rather than a desire to find fault. This creates a sharp contrast with its use in social or artistic reviews, where it often implies a focus on flaws or shortcomings.
In medical or technical contexts, the word signals a precarious state where the margin for error is nonexistent. When describing a dependency, such as something being "critically important," it emphasizes that the entire success of a project hinges on a single factor, moving beyond simple importance to absolute necessity.
Meanings
In a way that involves a detailed, objective, and rational evaluation or analysis.
Examples
Students are encouraged to think critically about the sources they find online.
She looked at my messy handwriting critically and sighed.
She looked at my messy handwriting critically and sighed.
The patient was critically injured in the car accident.
The success of the mission depends critically on the weather conditions.
I need to examine this data more critically before presenting it to the board.
Stop looking at me so critically; I am doing my best.
The server is critically overloaded and may crash at any moment.
This decision will critically affect the future of the company.