CRITICALLY
critically
(adverb) in a critical manner; “this must be examined critically”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adverb
critically (comparative more critically, superlative most critically)
In a critical manner; with, or in terms of, criticism.
With close discernment; accurately; exactly.
At a crisis or critical time; in a situation, place, or condition of decisive consequence.
Antonyms
• uncritically
Source: Wiktionary
Crit"ic*al*ly, adv.
1. In a critical manner; with nice discernment; accurately; exactly.
Critically to discern good writers from bad. Dryden.
2. At a crisis; at a critical time; in a situation. place, or
condition of decisive consequence; as, a fortification critically
situated.
Coming critically the night before the session. Bp. Burnet.
CRITICAL
Crit"ic*al (krt"-kal), a. Etym: [See Critic, n., Crisis.]
1. Qualified to criticise, or pass judgment upon, literary or
artistic productions.
It is submitted to the judgment of more critical ears to direct and
determine what is graceful and what is not. Holder.
2. Pertaining to criticism or the critic's art; of the nature of a
criticism; accurate; as, critical knowledge; a critical dissertation.
3. Inclined to make nice distinctions, or to exercise careful
judgment and selection; exact; nicely judicious.
Virgil was so critical in the rites of religion. that he would never
have brought in such prayers as these, if they had not been agreeable
to the Roman customs. Bp. Stillingfleet.
4. Inclined to criticise or find fault; fastidious; captious;
censorious; exacting.
O gentle lady, do not put me to 't, For I am nothing, if not
critical. Shak.
5. Characterized by thoroughness and a reference to principles, as
becomes a critic; as, a critical analysis of a subject.
6. Etym: [See Crisis.]
Definition: Pertaining to, or indicating, a crisis, turning point, or
specially important juncture; important as regards consequences;
hence, of doubtful issue; attended with risk; dangerous; as, the
critical stage of a fever; a critical situation.
Our circumstances are indeed critical. Burke.
The small moment, the exact point, the critical minute, on which
every good work so much depends. South.
Critical angle (Optics), that angle of incidence of a luminous ray at
which it is wholly reflected, and no portion of it transmitted. The
sine of this angle is the reciprocal of the refractive index of the
medium.
– Critical philosophy, the metaphysical system of Kant; -- so
called from his most important work, the "Critique of Pure Reason." -
- Critical point (Physics), a certain temperature, different for
different gases, but always the same for each gas, regarded as the
limit above which no amount of pressure can produce condensation to a
liquid.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition