critical thinking

[ krit-i-kuhl thing-king ]

noun

1. disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence:

   The questions are intended to develop your critical thinking.

Word History and Origins

Origin of critical thinking¹

First recorded in 1810–15

Example Sentences

To be clear, this isn't healthy skepticism, the foundation of critical thinking.

From Salon

To me, “Vertigo” is a puzzle and requires critical thinking, whereas “Rear Window” tells you what to think and feel the whole time.

From Salon

Guide them in setting strict privacy controls and encourage critical thinking before accepting friend requests or sharing personal details.

From Salon

He thereby helped cultivate the critical thinking that made Edim see the curriculum’s broader flaws — even if he didn’t.

From Los Angeles Times

These included a "troubling lack of critical thinking" among staff and a reluctance to "speak up".

From BBC