What does criticism mean?
Word: Criticism
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Criticism means saying what you think is wrong with someone or something; also, the work of judging books, films or art.
Synonyms: disapproval, censure, fault-finding, review
Antonyms: approval, admiration
How do you spell criticism?
Syllables: crit - i - cism
Tricky part: Write all of critic, then add ism. The second c is said like s, which tempts students to write critisism.
Watch out for: critisism, criticisim, critcism
Memory tip: A critic gives criticism. Spell the person first, c-r-i-t-i-c, and only then add the three letters ism.
Criticism in a sentence
Example 1: The new rule faced criticism from parents.
Example 2: Try to accept criticism calmly and learn from it.
Example 3: Her book of film criticism won a national award.
Fun Fact
Critic comes from the Greek kritikos, able to judge. The same Greek root gives crisis, a turning point at which something is decided.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word criticism as used in the sentence:
The new film received harsh criticism from reviewers but still did well at the box office.
a) comment
b) debate
c) praise
d) blame
Show answer
c) praise. Blame is close to criticism, and a comment or a debate can be friendly or not; praise is the clear opposite.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the letters in the sentence to form a meaningful word:
The architect's plan for the new bridge drew sharp mcisictir from local engineers.
a) witticism
b) criticism
c) cynicism
d) mysticism
Show answer
b) criticism. Cynicism and mysticism need a y, and witticism needs a w and two t's.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one of these words is spelt correctly. Choose its meaning:
1. sugestion 2. encouragment 3. criticism 4. apreciation
a) an idea put forward for others to consider
b) recognising how good something is
c) a judgement that points out faults
d) support that builds someone's confidence
Show answer
c) a judgement that points out faults. Appreciation doubles the p, suggestion doubles the g, and encouragement keeps the e of encourage.
Word Cookie
Find the misspelt word in the sentence:
The coach's criticism was fair, and it helped our team improve its fielding before the tournamant.
a) fielding
b) tournamant
c) criticism
d) improve
Show answer
b) tournamant. Tournament ends in -ment, like movement; the a is the slip.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Literary criticism is ____.
a) the binding of books by hand
b) the printing of books in bulk
c) the selling of books in shops
d) the careful discussion of books
Show answer
d) the careful discussion of books
2. A person who is easily hurt by criticism is often called ____.
a) open-handed
b) thin-skinned
c) light-footed
d) level-headed
Show answer
b) thin-skinned
