SAT Basic
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critical

/ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
English Definition
adj. expressing disapproval or finding fault
中文释义
批评的
Example Sentence

The editor's critical review of the manuscript highlighted several factual errors and stylistic weaknesses that the author had overlooked.

编辑对稿件的批评性审阅指出了作者忽略的几处事实错误和风格弱点。

Synonyms
disapproving censorious judgmental
Antonyms
complimentary approving
Seen in practice — from the Digital SAT question bank

A profile of a surgeon opens mid-operation, describing the tense atmosphere of the operating room moments before a critical incision, then flashes back to recount her training decades earlier before returning to the operating room for the profile's conclusion.

From a Text Structure and Purpose question · Craft and Structure

A profile of a wildland firefighter opens mid-blaze, describing the roar of flames moments before a critical evacuation decision, then flashes back to recount his training years earlier before returning to the fire line for the profile's conclusion.

From a Text Structure and Purpose question · Craft and Structure

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Practice — Definition Match

Which choice best defines “critical”?

  1. A Expressing disapproval or finding fault
  2. B Not paying attention
  3. C Admired and considered important
  4. D Having or showing confused and mutually inconsistent feelings
Show answer

A — Expressing disapproval or finding fault. “critical” means expressing disapproval or finding fault.

Practice — Which Word Fits?

Which word means “expressing disapproval or finding fault”?

  1. A inattentive
  2. B respected
  3. C critical
  4. D conflicted
Show answer

C — critical. “critical” means expressing disapproval or finding fault.

Common questions about “critical”

What does “critical” mean?

critical — expressing disapproval or finding fault. In Chinese: 批评的.

How do you pronounce “critical”?

critical is pronounced /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/.

How is “critical” used in a sentence?

The editor's critical review of the manuscript highlighted several factual errors and stylistic weaknesses that the author had overlooked. (编辑对稿件的批评性审阅指出了作者忽略的几处事实错误和风格弱点。)

What are synonyms for “critical”?

disapproving, censorious, judgmental — all close in meaning to critical (expressing disapproval or finding fault).

What is the opposite of “critical”?

complimentary, approving — each the opposite of critical (expressing disapproval or finding fault).

Is “critical” an SAT vocabulary word?

Yes. critical is on the SAT Prep Basic list — the everyday academic words the SAT assumes you already have. The Digital SAT does not test vocabulary in isolation; words like this one are tested through Words in Context questions, where you choose the word that completes a passage most logically and precisely.

Progress / 学习进度
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through SAT Basic
This level: 0 mastered (0% of the level)
The Digital SAT tests vocabulary through Words in Context questions, never as a standalone definition. Learn the word, then use it against a real passage.