critic

Critic is primarily a countable noun meaning someone who evaluates and expresses opinions about art, literature, music, films, food, or other subjects. It can also mean someone who regularly points out faults or publicly opposes a person, policy, or idea.

Common synonyms include reviewer, commentator, analyst, evaluator, detractor, and opponent. Reviewer is usually neutral, while detractor suggests disapproval. Informally, a persistently negative critic may be called a naysayer, faultfinder, or hater.

The word entered English through Latin and French and ultimately derives from Greek kritikós, meaning “able to judge.” It is related to critical, criticism, and critique. The modern professional sense became especially prominent with the growth of newspapers, literary journals, and public arts reviews.

1. The film critic praised the director’s bold visual style.
   The film critic praised the director’s bold visual style.
2. A restaurant critic visited the café without revealing her profession.
   A restaurant critic visited the café without revealing her profession.
3. He is one of the government’s most outspoken critics.
   He is one of the government’s most outspoken critics.
4. My harshest critic is often the voice inside my own head.
   My harshest critic is often the voice inside my own head.
5. The art critic wrote a thoughtful review of the exhibition.
   The art critic wrote a thoughtful review of the exhibition.