What does criticise mean?
Criticise is a verb meaning to point out the faults or shortcomings of someone or something, whether as an act of disapproval or as part of reasoned evaluation. In everyday use it often carries negative overtones: to be criticised suggests being blamed or reproached, as when a government is criticised for a failed policy. In intellectual and artistic contexts, however, criticism can be neutral or even positive — critics analyse novels, films, and performances to assess their merits as well as their flaws. The word comes from the Greek 'kritikos', meaning able to discern or judge, via Latin and French, which explains its connection to words like critic, critique, and crisis. British English spells the verb 'criticise', while American English uses 'criticize'; both are pronounced identically. Common collocations include 'widely criticised' and 'criticised for', reflecting how frequently the verb appears in journalism and public debate.
verbTo criticise is to express disapproval of someone or something by pointing out their faults, or to form and state a judgment about the merits and shortcomings of a work, performance, or idea.
- To express disapproval of someone or something by indicating their faults or mistakes.
- To evaluate and judge the merits and faults of a literary, artistic, or other work (as in critical analysis).
"The report criticised the council for its slow response to the housing crisis."
"Opposition MPs criticised the government's handling of the pandemic."
"Her dissertation was praised for the way it critically engaged with, rather than merely criticised, earlier scholarship."
The word traces back to Greek 'kritēs', meaning judge — so every time you criticise something, you're doing the job of an ancient courtroom judge, just with fewer togas.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of criticise
Criticise derives from the Greek 'kritikos', meaning 'able to discern or judge', from 'krinein', 'to separate or decide'. The word passed into Latin as 'criticus' and then into French before entering English in the early modern period. It shares this root with critic, critique, critical, and even crisis — all connected to the idea of judgment or decision. The '-ise' ending reflects the standard British spelling convention, while American English adopted '-ize'.
Related word forms
How criticise is actually used
'Criticise' is the standard British spelling; American English uses 'criticize'. Both spellings are acceptable in most international contexts. The verb can carry a strongly negative connotation when used of people (implying fault-finding), but is more neutral when applied to works of art, literature, or policy, where careful criticism is valued.
Easily confused with criticise
A critique is a detailed, often neutral evaluation or review, whereas to criticise usually carries negative connotations of finding fault.
Criticize is simply the American spelling of the same verb, not a different word in meaning.