English

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Etymology

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From critical +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

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Adverb

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critically (comparative more critically, superlative most critically)

  1. In a critical manner; with, or in terms of, criticism.
    I looked critically at the frayed carpet of the hotel room.
  2. In terms of critique, review, of or by critics
    a critically applauded film
  3. With close discernment; accurately; exactly.
    • 1685, John Dryden, transl., “Preface”, in Sylvæ: Or, The Second Part of Poetical Miscellanies, London: [] Jacob Tonson, [], →OCLC; reprinted Menston, Yorkshire, London: Scolar Press, 1973, →ISBN, page 19:
      Thus difficult it is to underſtand the purity of Engliſh, and critically to diſcern not only good Writers from bad, and a proper ſtile from a corrupt, but alſo to diſtinguiſh that which is pure in a good Author, from that which is vicious and corrupt in him.
  4. At a crisis or critical time; in a situation, place, or condition of decisive consequence.
    a fortification critically situated
    • a. 1716 (date written), [Gilbert] Burnet, edited by [Gilbert Burnet Jr.], Bishop Burnet’s History of His Own Time. [], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: [] Thomas Ward [], published 1724, →OCLC:
      Coming critically the night before the session.
  5. Requiring immediate attention; likely to cause a collapse.
    critically ill
    critically injured
    critically endangered

Antonyms

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Derived terms

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Translations

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