What does criticising mean?
Criticising is the British-English present participle and gerund of the verb “criticise,” meaning to express disapproval or identify faults in a person, action, or thing. It is widely used in journalism, politics, education, art criticism, and everyday discussion. The word can suggest careful evaluation, as in professional criticism of a novel, or public condemnation, as when a politician criticises government policy. Its connotation depends largely on context: criticism may be constructive and useful, or repetitive and hostile. Although “criticising” is a verb form, it can also function as a gerund, so a sentence may begin “Criticising the plan is his favourite hobby.” British and American speakers use the same pronunciation, differing mainly in the spelling “criticising” versus “criticizing.”
verbTo express disapproval or criticism of someone or something, especially by pointing out faults or shortcomings. In its present-participle form, it can describe an activity or an action happening at the same time as another event.
- Expressing criticism or disapproval of a person, action, decision, or work, especially by identifying faults or shortcomings.
"The committee spent the afternoon criticising the proposal without suggesting a practical alternative."
"Several residents criticised the council for failing to repair the road."
"She is criticising the proposal in a detailed report published this morning."
Criticising comes from a tradition of judgment: the word ultimately echoes the Greek idea of distinguishing and deciding what is worthy of approval.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does criticising come from?
The English verb “criticise” comes from French “critiquer,” which was influenced by Latin usage and ultimately by Greek “kritein,” meaning to judge or decide. The related English words “critic,” “critical,” “criticism,” and “critique” share this tradition of judgment and analysis. “Criticising” is the present-participle and gerund form formed from the modern English verb.
Related word forms
How criticising is actually used
The term is generally neutral in register and can describe either measured professional evaluation or forceful public condemnation. In British English, “criticising” is the standard spelling; US English usually uses “criticizing.”
Easily confused with criticising
A critique is usually a detailed, constructive evaluation of a work or idea, whereas criticising generally means expressing disapproval or pointing out faults.