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crítico means critical — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 4, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

crítico

adjective • /[KREE-tee-koh]/

critical

Example:

Adoptó un enfoque crítico.

He adopted a critical approach.

🧠 What does crítico mean?

The adjective 'crítico' has two primary meanings. First, it relates to the act of using careful judgment or analysis, as in 'pensamiento crítico' (critical thinking). In this sense, it describes something that is based on or involves reasoned evaluation. Second, 'crítico' refers to a decisive, crucial, or dangerous point in time or a situation of extreme difficulty or importance, such as a 'momento crítico' (critical moment) or a patient in 'estado crítico' (critical condition).

📚 Extra examples

  • El profesor nos pidió un análisis crítico de la novela.
    The professor asked us for a critical analysis of the novel.
  • El paciente se encuentra en estado crítico después del accidente.
    The patient is in critical condition after the accident.
  • Estamos en un punto crítico del proyecto; la decisión de hoy es fundamental.
    We are at a critical point in the project; today's decision is fundamental.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'crítico' comes from the Greek 'kritikós', meaning 'able to discern or judge'. This root is shared with related Spanish words like 'criterio' (criterion) and 'criticar' (to criticize), all centered on the concept of making a judgment or analysis.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "crítico"

Synonyms: decisivo, fundamental, crucial, severo, analítico
Opposites: insignificante, trivial, superficial, indulgente

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'critical' in Spanish?
The main Spanish word for 'critical' is 'crítico'. As an adjective, it changes to 'crítica' for feminine nouns, 'críticos' for masculine plural nouns, and 'críticas' for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce 'crítico' in Spanish?
The word 'crítico' is pronounced KREE-tee-koh. The accent mark on the first 'i' indicates that the stress falls on the first syllable: crí-ti-co.
How do you use 'crítico' in a sentence?
For example, you could say: 'Su apoyo fue crítico para el éxito del equipo', which means 'His support was critical to the team's success'.
What is the English translation of 'crítico'?
The English translation of 'crítico' is 'critical'.
Does 'crítico' change for gender or number?
Yes, as an adjective, 'crítico' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The forms are: 'crítico' (masculine singular), 'crítica' (feminine singular), 'críticos' (masculine plural), and 'críticas' (feminine plural).
Is 'crítico' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'crítico' is common in both formal and everyday contexts, used to discuss important situations ('momento crítico'), health ('estado crítico'), or analysis and opinion ('pensamiento crítico').
Does 'crítico' have slang or double meanings?
Besides its adjectival meanings, 'crítico' can also be a noun, meaning 'a critic' ('un crítico' or 'una crítica'). This refers to a person who professionally evaluates art, literature, films, or other works.
Is 'crítico' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the usage of 'crítico' is consistent across Spain and Latin America. Its meanings related to analysis, judgment, and crucial moments are universally understood.

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