Meaning & use
critics
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“critics” is a form of “critic”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
People whose job is to judge and write about art, films, books, music, food or similar things.
Grammar: Plural of critic; takes a plural verb: the critics were impressed.
Patterns
- film critics
- critics praise something
Film critics gave the new drama five stars.
Most critics agreed that the restaurant's desserts were the best part of the meal.
Several music critics wrote about the album before it was released.
nounplural
People who say publicly that they disapprove of someone or something and point out its faults.
Grammar: Often followed by of: critics of the plan.
Patterns
- critics of something
- critics say that ...
Critics of the new tax say it will hurt small businesses.
The mayor ignored her critics and went ahead with the project.
Even his harshest critics admitted he worked hard.
Word forms
| singular | critic |
|---|
Common combinations
- film critics
- Film critics loved the quiet ending.
- harsh critics
- Her harshest critics were her own teammates.
- critics of the government
- Critics of the government marched through the capital.
- critics praised
- Critics praised the novel for its honest characters.
- silence your critics
- The team's win silenced its critics.
Synonyms and how they differ
- reviewers
- This is narrower and refers to people who write reviews, while critics can also mean people who simply oppose something.
- detractors
- This is more formal and always means people who speak against someone, whereas critics may also be fair or professional judges.
- commentators
- This describes people who give opinions or explanations on events, but not necessarily negative ones as critics often do.
- opponents
- This stresses active opposition or competition, whereas critics focus on finding fault by words.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: critics or critique? critics or cynics?
critics vs critique
A critique is a detailed written evaluation of one work, whereas critics are the people who write such evaluations.
critics vs cynics
Cynics distrust people's motives, whereas critics judge or find fault with specific things.
Practice
Many ___ of the plan said it would cost too much and take too long.
Choose one answer.
Critics of a plan are those who oppose it and name its faults. Supporters, admirers and founders do not fit the complaint that follows.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “critics”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.