critically

[ krit-ik-lee ]

/ ˈkrɪt ɪk li /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR critically ON THESAURUS.COM

adverb

in a judgmental or disapproving manner: The backlash was immediate after he spoke critically of his opponent’s personal life.

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

to a devastating degree, leading to or reaching a crisis: As floodwaters rise, we are critically lacking sandbags and evacuation transport.

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

with decisive or essential importance with respect to the outcome; crucially; indispensably: The success of this experiment critically relies on optimal weather.

Origin of critically

First recorded in 1645–55; critical + -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM critically

non·crit·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby critically

critical constant, critical constants, critical damping, critical density, criticality, critically, critically endangered, critical mass, critical organ, critical path analysis, critical period

Example sentences from the Web for critically

Most critically, the split perspectives of Noah and Alison need to marry more elegantly.
What On Earth Is ‘The Affair’ About? Season One’s Baffling Finale|Tim Teeman|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This is a critically important role, and something I've seen firsthand.
The Valerie Jarrett I Know: How She Saved the Obama Campaign and Why She’s Indispensable|Joshua DuBois|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The film was critically panned upon its release, but has since gained a cult following.
Charles Dance on Tywin Lannister’s S5 Return, A ‘Game of Thrones’ Movie,’ and Sexy Peter Dinklage|Marlow Stern|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Most people pay attention to this only in regards the Supreme Court, but the lower courts are also critically important.
Who Controls the Senate Controls the Courts|Geoffrey R. Stone|November 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The Hangover star, currently in the critically acclaimed Birdman, certainly knows how to bring the funny as well as the awkward.
Brad Pitt and Louis C.K. Go ‘Between Two Ferns’|Alex Chancey, The Daily Beast Video|October 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She looked at him critically from under her shading lashes—but her eyes grew gentler almost at once.
The Magnificent Ambersons|Booth Tarkington
McKelvie glanced hastily about and then striding to the divan he bent down and sniffed at it critically.
The Mystery of the Hidden Room|Marion Harvey
As they spoke thus together John Angus waited for a moment, considering them critically.
Poppea of the Post-Office|Mabel Osgood Wright
When the bullet was extracted Doctor Joe examined it critically, washed it and placed it carefully in his pocket.
Troop One of the Labrador|Dillon Wallace
He was grinning broadly, and Mason was keenly amused when Josephine hastened over and surveyed him critically.
Mason of Bar X Ranch|Henry Bennett