Meaning & use
think critically
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Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
To examine information carefully, question assumptions, and form a reasoned judgment.
Grammar: Used as an intransitive verb phrase; it does not take a direct object. You can say 'think critically about something'.
Patterns
- think critically about something
- learn to think critically
In this course, students learn to think critically about media messages.
Good scientists think critically and test their own ideas.
She encouraged her team to think critically rather than accept the first solution.
Common combinations
- think critically about
- We need to think critically about the claims in that advertisement.
- learn to think critically
- The goal of the class is to learn to think critically.
- think critically and creatively
- Employers want people who can think critically and creatively.
Synonyms and how they differ
- analyze
- Analyze means to examine something in detail; 'think critically' is broader and includes questioning and evaluating.
- reason
- Reason means to use logic to form conclusions; 'think critically' also involves questioning assumptions and evidence.
Opposites
Word family
- critical thinking noun
- The noun form: the process of thinking critically.
- critical thinker noun
- A person who thinks critically.
Commonly confused: think critically or criticize?
think critically vs criticize
To criticize means to point out faults. 'Think critically' means to evaluate carefully, not necessarily to find fault.
Practice
Complete the sentence: 'Students should think critically ____ the information they find online.'
Choose one answer.
The phrase is 'think critically about something'. The other prepositions do not collocate with this expression.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “think critically”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.