critique
/krɪˈtiːk/
noun
Origin
French
critique — a critic or a critical examination
Overview
Meaning Now
- A detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or political theory.
- The art of criticizing or evaluating works of art or literature.
Literal older meaning
the art of judging or distinguishing
Language path
Ancient Greek → French → English
Earliest form
critique
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The term enters English as a sophisticated term of intellectual engagement, distinct from the more common 'criticism', often implying a structured, formal evaluation rather than merely finding fault.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
kritikós
“able to judge or discern”
- Latin
criticus
“a judge, critic”
- French
critique
“critical examination”
Evolved as both noun and adjective.
- English
critique
“a detailed assessment”
First recorded in the mid-17th century.
Connections
Word parts
crit-
root
to judge or separate
-ique
suffix
pertaining to
Related across languages
German
Kritik
critique or criticism
Spanish
crítica
critique or criticism
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Related to critique
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.