critically

[ krit-ik-lee ]

adverb

1. in a judgmental or disapproving manner:

   The backlash was immediate after he spoke critically of his opponent’s personal life.

2. in a manner involving skillful analysis of merit, as of a decision or work of art or literature: critically admired novels.

   a critically sanctioned project;

   critically admired novels.

3. to a devastating degree, leading to or reaching a crisis:

   As floodwaters rise, we are critically lacking sandbags and evacuation transport.

4. seriously or extremely, as of a gravely unstable medical condition: a critically ill pneumonia patient.

   critically injured;

   a critically ill pneumonia patient.

5. with decisive or essential importance with respect to the outcome; crucially; indispensably:

   The success of this experiment critically relies on optimal weather.

Other Words From

• non·criti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of critically¹

First recorded in 1645–55; critical ( def ) + -ly ( def )

Example Sentences

Developing such applications relies critically on understanding the dynamical properties of the nano-bio interface.

From Science Daily

A man is critically ill in hospital after a crash involving a car which was being pursued by police on the M62.

From BBC

Patients at risk for zinc deficiency, particularly critically ill and elderly patients, are also at risk for A. baumannii infection.

From Science Daily

"This is important in our existing businesses, and it's critically important in football. We try to identify, and more importantly support, strong management."

From BBC

One can certainly discuss this limited series divorced from other critically acclaimed shows, but it’s more interesting to view it as part of a continuum that speaks to our present, whether thematically or parabolically.

From Salon

Related Words

• acutely
• badly
• dangerously
• extremely
• firmly
• markedly
• painfully
• seriously
• sharply
• sorely
• sternly
• strictly