critically — English Dictionary

Adverb

1. In a critical manner; with, or in terms of, criticism.

   Examples

   I looked critically at the frayed carpet of the hotel room.

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   Girard critically examines Nietzsche's central contention that Christianity is a religion of sublimated vengeance or ressentiment and contents that although Nietzsche is half right about Christians he remains dangerously naive about violence itself.

2. In terms of critique, review, of or by critics

   Examples

   a critically applauded film

3. With close discernment; accurately; exactly.

   Examples

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   Thus difficult it is to underſtand the purity of Engliſh, and critically to diſcern not only good Writers from bad, and a proper ſtile from a corrupt, but alſo to diſtinguiſh that which is pure in a good Author, from that which is vicious and corrupt in him.

4. At a crisis or critical time; in a situation, place, or condition of decisive consequence.

   Examples

   a fortification critically situated

   Coming critically the night before the session.

5. Requiring immediate attention; likely to cause a collapse.

   Examples

   critically ill

   critically injured

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   critically endangered

Adverb

1. in a critical manner

   Antonyms

   uncritically

   Examples

   this must be examined critically