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criticism

B1 noun #25 最常用 13分钟阅读

criticism

前25

At the A1 level, 'criticism' is a difficult word, but you can understand it as 'bad comments' or 'saying something is not good.' When you don't like a movie, you might say something bad about it. That is criticism. It is when people point out mistakes. For example, if you draw a picture and your teacher says the colors are wrong, that is criticism. At this level, you should know that criticism usually feels a little bit sad or negative. It is the opposite of 'praise' or 'good words.' You might hear it in simple sentences like 'I don't like criticism' or 'He gave me criticism.' It is important to remember that criticism is a noun, a thing that people say or write. Even though it is a big word, you can think of it as 'feedback that says something is wrong.'

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'criticism' to talk about feedback in school or with friends. It means the act of saying that you do not like something or someone, or pointing out their faults. You might encounter this word when talking about movies, books, or even food. For example, 'The criticism of the new restaurant was very bad.' This means many people said the restaurant was not good. You should also learn that criticism can sometimes be helpful. This is called 'good criticism' or 'helpful criticism.' It helps you learn and get better. You might hear your teacher say, 'Don't be afraid of criticism; it helps you improve your English.' At this level, you should be able to use it with simple verbs like 'get,' 'give,' or 'hear.'

At the B1 level, you should understand that 'criticism' has two main meanings. The first is the expression of disapproval, which we often see in daily life and news. For example, 'The government is facing criticism for the new law.' The second meaning is the professional analysis of something like a book or a film. This is called 'literary criticism' or 'film criticism.' You should also start using common adjectives with the word, such as 'constructive criticism' (helpful feedback) and 'harsh criticism' (very mean or strong feedback). You should be comfortable using the preposition 'of' after the word, as in 'criticism of the project.' At this level, you are expected to understand that criticism is a natural part of work and art, and it isn't always a personal attack.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'criticism.' You should know that it is often used in professional and academic contexts to mean a detailed evaluation. You should be familiar with collocations like 'level criticism at,' 'draw criticism,' and 'withstand criticism.' For example, 'The CEO had to withstand heavy criticism from the shareholders.' You should also be able to distinguish between 'criticism' and 'critique.' A critique is usually a more formal and structured analysis. At this level, you should be able to discuss the role of criticism in society, such as how it acts as a check on power in politics. You should also be able to use the word in more complex sentence structures, including passive forms like 'The plan was met with widespread criticism.'

At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'criticism' with precision in academic and professional writing. You should understand various types of criticism, such as 'social criticism,' 'textual criticism,' and 'feminist criticism.' You should be able to analyze the tone of criticism, using words like 'scathing,' 'trenchant,' 'incisive,' or 'unwarranted.' At this level, you should understand the philosophical implications of criticism—how it contributes to the 'marketplace of ideas' and the advancement of knowledge. You should be able to use the word in complex phrases like 'the brunt of the criticism' or 'beyond the reach of criticism.' Your usage should reflect an understanding that criticism is not just about finding faults but about the rigorous application of standards to evaluate the quality and validity of an idea or work.

At the C2 level, you should possess a masterly command of 'criticism' and its derivatives. You should be able to discuss the history of criticism as an intellectual discipline, from the classical era to postmodernism. You should understand the subtle distinctions between 'criticism,' 'censure,' 'animadversion,' and 'stricture.' In your own writing, you should be able to weave the word into sophisticated arguments about culture, politics, and aesthetics. You should be comfortable with idiomatic and metaphorical uses, such as 'a lightning rod for criticism.' You should also be aware of the reflexive nature of the word, such as 'self-criticism' and its role in political movements or personal development. At this level, the word is a tool for high-level discourse, allowing you to navigate the complexities of human judgment and analytical thought with ease.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

criticism 30秒了解

Criticism is the act of pointing out faults or expressing disapproval of someone or something in a personal or professional context.
It also refers to the formal, analytical evaluation of creative works like books, movies, and art by professional critics or scholars.
The term can be negative (destructive) or helpful (constructive), depending on the intent and the way the feedback is delivered to the recipient.
Commonly used with verbs like 'receive,' 'face,' and 'offer,' and prepositions like 'of' and 'for' to specify the subject and reason.

The word criticism is a multifaceted noun that functions in two primary spheres: the personal and the professional. At its most basic level, criticism is the expression of disapproval. When you tell a friend that their behavior was rude, or when a boss points out errors in a report, they are offering criticism. This form of the word often carries a negative connotation because it focuses on faults, flaws, or failures. However, it is essential to distinguish between 'destructive criticism,' which aims to hurt or belittle, and 'constructive criticism,' which is intended to help someone improve. In everyday life, people use this word to describe the feedback they receive, whether it is welcome or not. You might hear someone say they are 'sensitive to criticism,' meaning they get upset when others point out their mistakes.

Interpersonal Context: In social settings, criticism often refers to the judgment of others' actions, choices, or personalities. It is the act of highlighting what is perceived as wrong or insufficient.

The young artist struggled to stay motivated after receiving harsh criticism from her mentor regarding her latest painting.

Beyond personal disapproval, the second major meaning of criticism is the scholarly or professional analysis of a work. This is common in the arts, literature, and academia. When a professional 'critic' writes a review of a new movie, they are engaging in film criticism. This does not necessarily mean they are saying the movie is bad; rather, they are evaluating its themes, techniques, and overall impact. In this sense, criticism is a neutral term for deep analysis. A literary critic might spend years writing a book of criticism about Shakespeare, exploring the hidden meanings in his plays. This type of criticism is vital for cultural growth, as it helps the public understand and appreciate complex works of art.

Academic Context: Here, criticism involves the application of theoretical frameworks to evaluate the quality and meaning of a creative or intellectual work.

The professor's criticism of the economic policy was based on decades of research and statistical data.

In politics and public life, criticism is a constant force. Governments face criticism from the opposition, from the media, and from the public. This serves as a system of checks and balances. Without criticism, those in power might never be held accountable for their mistakes. However, the tone of political criticism can often become polarized. When people talk about 'stinging criticism' or 'scathing criticism,' they are describing feedback that is particularly sharp, direct, and perhaps even aggressive. Understanding the nuances of this word allows you to navigate professional environments where 'giving and receiving criticism' is a core competency for growth and collaboration.

Professional Development: In the workplace, criticism is often rebranded as 'feedback' to make it sound more collaborative, but the underlying process of evaluation remains the same.

He decided to ignore the public criticism and focus on completing the project according to his original vision.

The book received a great deal of criticism for its historical inaccuracies.

She took the criticism on board and improved her performance in the second half of the game.

Using the word criticism correctly requires an understanding of its common collocations and prepositional patterns. Most frequently, we talk about 'receiving criticism' or 'facing criticism.' These phrases describe being the target of negative feedback. For example, a politician might 'face criticism' from the public after a controversial decision. Conversely, we 'offer criticism,' 'give criticism,' or 'level criticism' at someone or something. The preposition 'of' is almost always used to indicate the subject being judged, as in 'criticism of the government' or 'criticism of the new movie.' When you want to describe the reason for the disapproval, the preposition 'for' is common: 'She was met with criticism for her lack of preparation.'

Verb Pairings: Common verbs include: accept, avoid, deflect, draw, encounter, express, handle, ignore, invite, provoke, and withstand.

The company's new environmental policy drew heavy criticism from activist groups who claimed it was insufficient.

Adjectives play a crucial role in specifying the nature of the criticism. 'Constructive criticism' is perhaps the most common positive pairing, suggesting feedback that is helpful and meant to encourage improvement. On the other hand, 'harsh,' 'severe,' 'sharp,' or 'scathing' criticism implies a very negative and potentially hurtful tone. If the criticism is widespread, we call it 'widespread criticism' or 'general criticism.' If it is directed at a specific point, it might be 'pointed criticism.' In academic writing, you will often see 'literary criticism' or 'social criticism,' where the adjective defines the field of study. Using these modifiers helps you convey the exact weight and intent of the feedback being discussed.

Adjective Modifiers: Adjectives like 'unjustified,' 'valid,' 'fierce,' and 'mild' help define the intensity and fairness of the judgment.

The director was open to criticism, believing that honest feedback was the only way to make a great film.

Grammatically, 'criticism' is usually an uncountable noun when referring to the general act of criticizing. For instance, 'There was much criticism of the plan.' However, it can be used as a countable noun when referring to specific remarks or a specific piece of writing, such as 'The criticisms leveled against him were numerous.' In most cases, sticking to the uncountable form is safer for learners. It is also important to note the difference between 'criticism' (the noun) and 'critique' (often used as a more formal noun or verb). While they are similar, 'critique' usually implies a more systematic and detailed evaluation than 'criticism,' which can be a simple expression of dislike.

Prepositional Patterns: 'Criticism of [something]', 'Criticism for [doing something]', 'Under criticism', 'Open to criticism'.

Despite the criticism from his peers, the scientist continued his controversial research.

The teacher provided criticism that was both fair and encouraging to the students.

His main criticism was that the project lacked a clear budget and timeline.

You will encounter the word criticism in a variety of high-stakes environments. In the world of journalism and news, it is a staple. News anchors often report on 'mounting criticism' against world leaders or corporations. If a company releases a product that fails or causes harm, the subsequent news cycle will be filled with 'criticism of the company's safety standards.' In this context, the word highlights the role of the media as a watchdog, bringing public disapproval to light. You will see it in headlines like 'President Faces Criticism Over New Tax Law' or 'Tech Giant Under Fire: A Wave of Criticism Follows Data Breach.' This usage emphasizes the public and often political nature of the word.

News & Media: Used to describe public accountability and the reaction of the masses or experts to current events.

The editorial offered a sharp criticism of the city's failing infrastructure and lack of investment.

In the professional workplace, 'criticism' is a word often discussed in the context of performance reviews and team dynamics. Human Resources departments frequently run workshops on 'how to give constructive criticism.' In these settings, the word is used to describe the necessary process of identifying areas for improvement. You might hear a manager say, 'I have some criticism regarding your recent presentation, but I want to keep it constructive.' Here, the word is handled with care, often softened by adjectives to ensure it doesn't damage morale. It is also heard in creative industries—architecture, design, advertising—where 'crit sessions' (short for criticism or critique sessions) are a standard part of the creative process.

Workplace Culture: Refers to the feedback loop between employees and supervisors, essential for professional growth.

Learning to accept criticism without becoming defensive is a vital skill for any young professional.

Finally, the world of arts and entertainment is where 'criticism' takes on its most formal, analytical meaning. Film critics, book critics, and food critics provide 'professional criticism' for a living. When you read a review in a magazine like *The New Yorker* or *The Guardian*, you are reading a work of criticism. This isn't just someone saying they liked or disliked something; it is a reasoned argument about the quality and significance of the work. You will hear this word in podcasts discussing the latest Netflix series or in YouTube video essays that provide 'cultural criticism' of modern trends. In these spaces, criticism is seen as an intellectual pursuit that enriches our cultural conversation.

Arts & Entertainment: Refers to the formal evaluation of creative works by experts to guide public taste and understanding.

The film's director famously refused to read any criticism of his work, preferring to stay in his creative bubble.

Social media has democratized criticism, allowing anyone with an internet connection to share their views.

The architect's design was met with criticism for being too modern for the historic neighborhood.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with criticism is confusing it with the word 'critique.' While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. 'Criticism' is the broader, more common term that can mean simple disapproval or professional analysis. 'Critique,' however, is almost always formal and systematic. You 'criticize' a friend for being late (disapproval), but you 'critique' a peer's research paper (detailed analysis). Using 'criticism' when you mean a formal evaluation is usually fine, but using 'critique' to describe a simple complaint can sound overly formal or even slightly pretentious. Another common error is the confusion between the noun 'criticism' and the person 'critic.' Remember: the *critic* gives the *criticism*.

Critic vs. Criticism: Mistake: 'The criticism wrote a bad review.' Correct: 'The critic wrote a bad review.' Mistake: 'I don't like the critic of my work.' Correct: 'I don't like the criticism of my work.'

It is a common error to use the word criticism as a verb; the correct verb form is 'to criticize.'

Preposition errors are also very common. Many learners mistakenly use 'about' instead of 'of' or 'for.' While you might say 'I have a complaint about the service,' you should say 'I have some criticism of the service.' Similarly, when describing the reason for the criticism, 'for' is the standard choice: 'He was criticized for his lack of punctuality.' Using 'because' in place of 'for' (e.g., 'criticism because his lack of punctuality') is grammatically incorrect. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the countability of the word. In most general contexts, 'criticism' is uncountable. Saying 'He gave me many criticisms' is technically possible but often sounds less natural than 'He gave me a lot of criticism' or 'He made several critical remarks.'

Preposition Pitfalls: Correct: Criticism of the plan. Incorrect: Criticism about the plan. Correct: Criticism for the delay. Incorrect: Criticism by the delay.

Many students confuse 'critical' (the adjective) with criticism (the noun) in their writing.

Finally, there is a nuance in tone that learners often miss. Because 'criticism' can sound quite harsh, using it in a delicate social situation can sometimes be too direct. In English-speaking cultures, especially in the UK or US, people often use euphemisms like 'feedback,' 'suggestions,' or 'notes' to avoid the negative weight of the word 'criticism.' If you tell a colleague, 'I have some criticism for you,' they might immediately become defensive. If you say, 'I have some feedback on your draft,' they are likely to be more open. Understanding when to use the word 'criticism' and when to opt for a softer alternative is a key part of mastering English pragmatics and social interaction.

Tone and Pragmatics: In polite conversation, 'criticism' can sound aggressive. Use 'feedback' or 'thoughts' to soften the impact of your judgment.

The manager's criticism was intended to be helpful, but his harsh tone made the employee feel discouraged.

A common mistake is thinking that all criticism is bad; in science, it is the primary way that theories are tested.

Don't confuse 'criticize' (to find fault) with 'critique' (to evaluate systematically).

The English language offers a rich variety of words that can replace criticism depending on the context and the desired intensity. One of the most common alternatives is 'feedback.' This is the preferred term in modern business and education because it sounds more neutral and collaborative. While criticism often focuses on what is wrong, feedback can include both positive and negative points. Another important alternative is 'critique.' As mentioned previously, a critique is a formal, detailed analysis. If you are reviewing a scientific paper or a complex piece of art, 'critique' is often the more appropriate and sophisticated choice. It suggests a level of expertise and objectivity that 'criticism' might lack.

Feedback vs. Criticism: Feedback is generally broader and more constructive, whereas criticism often focuses specifically on faults or disapproval.

The professor provided a detailed critique of the student's thesis, pointing out both its strengths and its logical gaps.

For more intense or formal situations, words like 'censure,' 'condemnation,' or 'denunciation' might be used. 'Censure' is a formal expression of severe disapproval, often used in legal or governmental contexts (e.g., 'The senate voted to censure the member'). 'Condemnation' is even stronger, implying a complete rejection or moral judgment against something. If you are looking for a more informal or slightly slangy way to describe criticism, you might hear people use the word 'flak.' For example, 'He took a lot of flak for his decision.' This comes from the term for anti-aircraft fire, suggesting that the criticism felt like an attack. Another informal term is 'knock,' as in 'I don't want to knock your idea, but...' which means to criticize or find fault with something.

Formal Alternatives: Censure, condemnation, animadversion, and stricture are all formal synonyms for expressing disapproval.

The politician faced international condemnation for his role in the human rights abuses.

In the realm of reviews and evaluations, 'assessment' and 'evaluation' are useful synonyms. These words are neutral and focus on the process of measuring quality or value. For instance, 'A performance assessment' or 'An evaluation of the project's success.' If the criticism is specifically about a book or movie, 'review' is the most natural word. Finally, 'reproach' is a word that describes criticism mixed with disappointment. If a parent criticizes a child for lying, they might do so with a tone of reproach. By choosing the right synonym, you can precisely communicate the level of formality, the intensity of the disapproval, and the specific context of the judgment being made.

Neutral Alternatives: Assessment, evaluation, review, and analysis are all neutral ways to describe the act of judging or examining something.

The annual evaluation is a time for both praise and constructive criticism.

She ignored the flak she received from the press and continued her work.

The look of reproach on his face was more painful than any spoken words.

How Formal Is It?

正式

中性

非正式

Child friendly

俚语

趣味小知识

The word 'crisis' comes from the same Greek root 'krinein'. A crisis is a 'turning point' where a decision or judgment must be made.

发音指南

UK /ˈkrɪt.ɪ.sɪ.zəm/

US /ˈkrɪt̬.ə.sɪ.zəm/

Primary stress is on the first syllable: KRIT-i-ci-sm.

押韵词

Witticism Mysticism Skepticism Stoicism Atheism Solecism Exorcism Fanaticism

常见错误

Pronouncing the 'c' in 'cism' like a 'k' (it should be an 's' sound).
Putting the stress on the second or third syllable instead of the first.
Forgetting the 'm' sound at the very end.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'criticize' (the verb).
Mumbling the middle syllables so it sounds like 'kritsum'.

难度评级

阅读 3/5

Common in news and academic texts, but meanings are usually clear from context.

写作 4/5

Requires knowledge of specific prepositions (of/for) and collocations to sound natural.

口语 3/5

Pronunciation can be tricky, and the tone must be managed carefully in social situations.

听力 2/5

Easily recognizable in most contexts due to its distinct sound.

接下来学什么

前置知识

Judge Opinion Mistake Bad Review

接下来学习

Critique Constructive Evaluation Censure Analytical

高级

Hermeneutics Exegesis Deconstruction Aesthetics Polemic

需要掌握的语法

Noun vs. Verb

Criticism (noun) vs. Criticize (verb). 'His criticism (N) was that I criticize (V) too much.'

Preposition 'Of'

Always use 'of' to indicate the object being judged. 'Criticism of the book.'

Preposition 'For'

Use 'for' to indicate the reason. 'Criticism for being late.'

Uncountable usage

Usually 'much criticism' rather than 'many criticisms'.

Adjective placement

Adjectives like 'constructive' come before the noun. 'Constructive criticism'.

按水平分级的例句

The teacher gave me some criticism on my homework.

The teacher told me what was wrong with my work.

Uncountable noun used with 'some'.

I do not like criticism.

I don't like it when people say bad things about my work.

Simple object of the verb 'like'.

Her criticism was very short.

She only said a few things that were wrong.

Subject of the sentence.

Is this criticism for me?

Are these bad comments about me?

Used with the preposition 'for'.

He wrote a criticism of the movie.

He wrote why he did not like the movie.

Countable use referring to a specific piece of writing.

The food received some criticism.

People said the food was not good.

Passive-like meaning with 'received'.

Please listen to the criticism.

Please hear what is wrong so you can fix it.

Imperative sentence.

There was no criticism of the plan.

Everyone liked the plan.

Used with 'there was' and 'no'.

The new book faced a lot of criticism.

Many people said the book was bad.

Verb 'faced' is common with criticism.

You should accept criticism to get better.

Listen to feedback so you can improve.

Infinitive 'to get better' shows purpose.

The coach's criticism was helpful for the team.

The coach told them how to play better.

Possessive 'coach's' modifies criticism.

I received some criticism for being late.

People told me it was bad that I was late.

Preposition 'for' shows the reason.

The criticism of the hotel was fair.

The bad comments about the hotel were true.

Adjective 'fair' describes the noun.

She doesn't handle criticism very well.

She gets upset when people point out her mistakes.

Verb 'handle' refers to emotional reaction.

The artist ignored the criticism of his work.

He didn't care what the people said.

Verb 'ignored' shows a choice.

Is there any constructive criticism you can give me?

Can you give me helpful feedback?

Adjective 'constructive' is a key collocation.

The government is under criticism for the rising prices.

People are complaining about the high costs.

Phrase 'under criticism' is very common.

Literary criticism helps us understand old books.

Analyzing books helps us see their meaning.

Compound noun 'literary criticism'.

He leveled harsh criticism at his former business partner.

He said very mean things about his old partner.

Verb 'leveled' is formal.

The project failed despite the lack of initial criticism.

Even though no one complained at first, it still failed.

Preposition 'despite' shows contrast.

She offered some constructive criticism on my presentation.

She gave me helpful tips to improve my talk.

Verb 'offered' is polite.

The film received widespread criticism for its slow pace.

Almost everyone said the movie was too slow.

Adjective 'widespread' shows scale.

I try not to take criticism personally.

I try not to feel hurt by feedback.

Adverb 'personally' modifies the verb 'take'.

The architect welcomed criticism of his early designs.

He wanted people to tell him how to improve.

Verb 'welcomed' shows a positive attitude.

The policy drew criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.

Everyone, left and right, complained about the policy.

Verb 'drew' means attracted.

His criticism of the education system was well-documented.

He had written many things about what was wrong with schools.

Adjective 'well-documented' means there is a lot of evidence.

She was quick to deflect any criticism of her management style.

She immediately tried to blame others for her mistakes.

Verb 'deflect' means to turn away.

The play was a success, notwithstanding the negative criticism it received.

The play did well even though the reviews were bad.

Preposition 'notwithstanding' is formal.

There is a fine line between constructive criticism and verbal abuse.

It is easy for helpful feedback to become mean.

Idiom 'a fine line between'.

The report contained several valid criticisms of the safety procedures.

The report had good points about why the safety was bad.

Countable use 'criticisms'.

He has always been his own harshest critic, full of self-criticism.

He is very mean to himself about his own work.

Compound 'self-criticism'.

The company's silence in the face of criticism was seen as an admission of guilt.

Because they didn't say anything, people thought they were guilty.

Phrase 'in the face of' shows the situation.

The essay provides a trenchant criticism of modern consumer culture.

The writing is very sharp and effective at pointing out flaws.

Adjective 'trenchant' is high-level.

Her work is often the subject of intense academic criticism.

Many professors and experts analyze and judge her work.

Phrase 'subject of' is formal.

The minister's resignation followed a period of sustained criticism.

He quit after people complained about him for a long time.

Adjective 'sustained' means continuing for a long time.

He dismissed the criticism as nothing more than political posturing.

He said the complaints were just people acting for votes.

Phrase 'nothing more than' shows dismissal.

The novel's structure invited criticism for being overly fragmented.

The way the book was built made people complain it was messy.

Verb 'invited' suggests the work caused the reaction.

Social criticism in the 19th century often focused on the plight of the poor.

Thinkers back then wrote about what was wrong with how poor people lived.

Specific type 'social criticism'.

The scientific community's criticism of the study led to its retraction.

Other scientists found so many flaws that the paper was removed.

Possessive 'community's' modifies criticism.

She accepted the criticism with grace and a commitment to change.

She was very polite and promised to do better.

Phrase 'with grace' describes the manner.

The philosopher’s latest treatise is a scathing criticism of neoliberalism.

The book is a very strong and angry attack on that economic system.

Adjective 'scathing' is very strong.

The project became a lightning rod for criticism from environmentalists.

The project attracted all the complaints from green groups.

Metaphor 'lightning rod for'.

One must distinguish between the aesthetic criticism of the work and the moral judgment of the artist.

Don't confuse the art's beauty with the artist's behavior.

Formal structure 'One must distinguish'.

The regime’s suppression of all forms of criticism led to an eventual uprising.

Because they stopped all complaints, the people eventually fought back.

Noun 'suppression' shows the action taken against criticism.

His arguments were so robust that they were largely beyond the reach of criticism.

His ideas were so good that no one could find any flaws.

Phrase 'beyond the reach of'.

The internal criticism within the party threatened to cause a major split.

The members complaining about each other almost broke the group.

Adjective 'internal' shows where it comes from.

The film’s subtext is a subtle criticism of the colonial era.

The hidden meaning of the movie is that the colonial time was bad.

Noun 'subtext' refers to hidden meaning.

The sheer volume of criticism leveled against the proposal was unprecedented.

There were more complaints than ever before in history.

Adjective 'unprecedented' means never happened before.

常见搭配

Constructive criticism

Harsh criticism

Face criticism

Draw criticism

Level criticism at

Widespread criticism

Literary criticism

Open to criticism

Stinging criticism

Accept criticism

常用短语

Constructive criticism

Under criticism

Take criticism

Level criticism

Draw criticism

A wave of criticism

In the face of criticism

Stinging criticism

Internal criticism

Beyond criticism

容易混淆的词

criticism vs Critique

A critique is a formal, systematic analysis, while criticism can be a simple expression of dislike.

criticism vs Critic

A critic is the person who gives the criticism. Don't say 'The criticism wrote a review.'

criticism vs Critical

Critical is the adjective. It can mean 'disapproving' or 'very important/essential.'

习语与表达

"Take the flak"

To receive a lot of criticism or abuse, especially for something you are responsible for.

The manager had to take the flak for the team's failure.

Informal

"A lightning rod for criticism"

A person or thing that attracts a lot of negative attention and disapproval.

The new skyscraper became a lightning rod for criticism in the city.

Metaphorical

"Come under fire"

To be subject to strong criticism or judgment.

The school board has come under fire for its new curriculum.

Idiomatic

"Pick holes in"

To find small mistakes or faults in something, often in an annoying way.

He spent the whole meeting picking holes in my proposal.

Informal

"Run the gauntlet"

To endure a series of criticisms or attacks from many people.

The CEO had to run the gauntlet of angry reporters.

Literary

"Take a knocking"

To be criticized severely.

His reputation took a knocking after the scandal broke.

Informal

"Water off a duck's back"

Criticism that has no effect on the person it is directed at.

He doesn't care what they say; it's like water off a duck's back.

Informal

"To have a thick skin"

To be able to ignore criticism and not be bothered by it.

If you want to be a politician, you need to have a thick skin.

Common

"Dish it out"

To give criticism or punishment to others, often while being unable to take it yourself.

He's happy to dish it out, but he can't take it when people criticize him.

Informal

"Call someone out"

To publicly criticize someone for their actions or behavior.

She called him out for his sexist remarks during the meeting.

Modern/Informal

容易混淆

criticism vs Criticize

It is the verb form of the noun.

Criticism is the thing said; criticize is the act of saying it.

Please don't criticize (verb) my work; I can't handle the criticism (noun).

criticism vs Criterion

Starts with the same root.

A criterion is a standard or rule used for judging, not the judgment itself.

The main criterion for the job is experience, but he faced criticism for his lack of it.

criticism vs Crisis

Related etymologically.

A crisis is a time of great danger or difficulty; criticism is a judgment.

The financial crisis led to much criticism of the banks.

criticism vs Critique

Very similar meaning.

Critique is more formal and usually implies a balanced, detailed evaluation.

I wrote a critique of the poem, but my friend just gave me criticism.

criticism vs Hypocrisy

Sounds slightly similar in the 'cr' part.

Hypocrisy is pretending to have morals you don't have; criticism is judging others.

It is hypocrisy to offer criticism of others for mistakes you also make.

句型

I have [noun].

I have criticism.

The [noun] is [adjective].

The criticism is helpful.

Subject + face + criticism + for + [reason].

He faced criticism for his mistake.

Subject + give + constructive criticism.

She gave constructive criticism.

Despite the criticism, [clause].

Despite the criticism, the plan continued.

Subject + draw + widespread criticism + from + [group].

The movie drew widespread criticism from fans.

The [noun] is a [adjective] criticism of [thing].

The book is a trenchant criticism of war.

Subject + be + a lightning rod for criticism.

The minister was a lightning rod for criticism.

词族

名词

动词

形容词

如何使用

frequency

Very high in news, academic, and professional contexts.

常见错误

The critic of the movie was very long. → The criticism of the movie was very long.
A 'critic' is a person; 'criticism' is the thing they write or say.
He gave me many criticisms about my work. → He gave me a lot of criticism of my work.
Criticism is usually uncountable, and the correct preposition is 'of'.
I don't like to critique people. → I don't like to criticize people.
'Critique' is for formal analysis of work; 'criticize' is for judging people's behavior.
The plan was under criticism by the public. → The plan was under criticism from the public.
We use 'from' to show the source of the criticism in this context.
She is very sensitive for criticism. → She is very sensitive to criticism.
The adjective 'sensitive' is followed by the preposition 'to'.

小贴士

Use the right preposition

Always remember: criticism OF a thing, and criticism FOR a reason. For example, 'His criticism of the car was for its high price.'

Learn 'Constructive'

Always pair 'criticism' with 'constructive' in a professional setting. It shows you are focused on growth and improvement rather than just complaining.

Softening the blow

If you need to criticize someone, try using the word 'feedback' instead. It sounds less like a personal attack and more like a helpful observation.

Avoid 'Criticism about'

While 'about' is common in casual speech, 'of' is the standard and more professional choice for formal writing and exams.

Stress the first syllable

Make sure you say KRIT-i-cism. If you stress the wrong part, native speakers might confuse it with other words like 'criticize.'

Criticism = Analysis

In a university context, don't assume 'criticism' means something is bad. It usually means the professor wants a deep, thoughtful analysis of the topic.

Handling criticism

When you receive criticism, say 'Thank you for the feedback.' This shows you have a 'thick skin' and are a professional who wants to learn.

Identify the source

When reading news, look for the word 'from' after criticism to see who is complaining. This helps you understand the political context of the story.

Lightning rod

If someone is a 'lightning rod for criticism,' it means they are the main target for everyone's anger. It's a great metaphor to use in advanced writing.

Vary your synonyms

Don't use 'criticism' in every sentence. Switch to 'review,' 'evaluation,' or 'assessment' to make your writing more interesting and precise.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of a 'Critic' in a 'Prism'. A prism separates light into different colors, just like criticism separates a work into its good and bad parts.

视觉联想

Imagine a red pen circling mistakes on a paper. The red circles represent the 'criticism' that helps you see what needs to be fixed.

Word Web

Art Feedback Judgment Analysis Faults Improvement Review Expert

挑战

Try to write three sentences about a movie you disliked, using the word 'criticism' in each sentence in a different way.

词源

Derived from the Ancient Greek word 'kritikos', which means 'able to judge or discern'. This comes from 'krinein', meaning 'to separate, decide, or judge'.

原始含义： In its earliest forms, it referred to the ability to make a judgment or a decision based on analysis.

Indo-European -> Greek -> Latin (criticus) -> French (critique) -> English.

文化背景

Be careful when using 'criticism' in personal relationships; it can sound like an attack if not phrased gently.

In the UK and US, there is a strong emphasis on 'sandwiching' criticism between two pieces of praise to make it easier to hear.

The movie 'Ratatouille' features a famous character, Anton Ego, who is a food critic. The 'Critical Race Theory' is a modern academic framework that uses the word in its analytical sense. Oscar Wilde was famous for his witty and sharp literary criticism.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Workplace Performance Review

Constructive criticism
Areas for improvement
Take feedback on board
Professional growth

Movie or Book Review

Film criticism
Critical acclaim
Mixed reviews
Analytical approach

Political News

Face criticism
Public outcry
Level charges
Under fire

Academic Writing

Literary criticism
Theoretical framework
Scholarly analysis
Critical perspective

Personal Relationships

Sensitive to criticism
Take it personally
Fair comment
Constructive advice

对话开场白

"How do you usually handle criticism from your boss or teachers?"

"Do you think social media has made people too quick to offer criticism?"

"What is the best piece of constructive criticism you have ever received?"

"In your opinion, what is the difference between a 'critic' and someone who just complains?"

"Do you enjoy reading professional film criticism before watching a new movie?"

日记主题

Reflect on a time when you received harsh criticism. How did you react, and what did you learn from the experience?

Write about the role of criticism in art. Is it necessary for an artist to listen to their critics?

Describe a situation where you had to give someone else criticism. How did you ensure it was constructive?

Discuss the phrase 'Everyone is a critic.' Do you think this is true in the age of the internet?

How does the fear of criticism affect your creativity or your willingness to try new things?

常见问题

10 个问题

No, criticism is not always bad. 'Constructive criticism' is meant to be helpful and is essential for learning and improvement. In academic contexts, 'criticism' simply means a detailed analysis, which can be very positive or neutral. It is only 'destructive criticism' that is intended to be hurtful.

While often used interchangeably, a 'critique' is usually more formal, structured, and systematic. It is an evaluation based on specific standards. 'Criticism' is a broader term that can range from a quick, negative comment to a deep scholarly analysis. In professional settings, 'critique' sounds more objective.

You can say, 'The movie received a lot of criticism for its poor acting,' or 'The film criticism in the newspaper was very detailed.' You use 'of' to talk about what is being criticized and 'for' to explain the reason behind the disapproval.

Yes, 'criticisms' is used when you are referring to several specific points of disapproval or multiple different reviews. For example: 'He had several criticisms of the new design.' However, when talking about the general act of judging, it is usually uncountable: 'There was much criticism.'

It means to feel that the feedback is an attack on your character or value as a person, rather than just a comment on your work or a specific action. People who take criticism personally often get upset or defensive when they hear what they did wrong.

It is a neutral word that is used in both formal and informal settings. However, in very formal or legal contexts, you might see words like 'censure.' In very informal settings, people might use 'flak' or 'knocking.'

Literary criticism is the study, evaluation, and interpretation of literature. It is a professional field where scholars analyze books to find deeper meanings, historical context, and artistic value. It is not just about saying if a book is good or bad.

To give 'constructive criticism,' focus on the work rather than the person, be specific about what needs to be changed, and offer suggestions for how to improve. This is often called 'giving feedback' in modern workplaces to make it sound more positive.

Common adjectives include: constructive, harsh, severe, widespread, valid, unjustified, stinging, scathing, and literary. These help to describe the tone and the scale of the feedback being given.

The most common opposites are 'praise,' 'approval,' and 'commendation.' These words are used when someone highlights the good parts of something rather than the faults.