Basic Details
Word: Criticize
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To express disapproval of someone or something by pointing out faults or shortcomings.
Synonyms: Condemn, disapprove, censure, blame
Antonyms: Praise, compliment, applaud, approve
Idioms and Phrases
- Criticize someone to their face: To openly express disapproval directly to a person. Example: "She's not afraid to criticize him to his face when he's wrong."
- Take criticism in stride: To accept criticism calmly and not get upset. Example: "He took the harsh feedback in stride and worked on improving."
Usage Examples
Example 1: It's easy to criticize others, but harder to offer constructive solutions.
Example 2: The teacher did not criticize the student harshly but gave helpful suggestions instead.
Example 3: Many people criticize politicians for making false promises during elections.
Fun Fact
The word "criticize" comes from the Greek word kritikos, meaning able to judge. It originally referred to literary or artistic evaluation before gaining a broader meaning of pointing out faults.
Famous Quote
"Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain-and most fools do." Dale Carnegie
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "criticize" mean?
a) To enjoy something
b) To express disapproval by pointing out faults
c) To build something
d) To ignore someone
Answer: b) To express disapproval by pointing out faults
2. Which of these is a synonym of "criticize"?
a) Praise
b) Applaud
c) Condemn
d) Compliment
Answer: c) Condemn
3. Which is an antonym of "criticize"?
a) Blame
b) Disapprove
c) Censure
d) Compliment
Answer: d) Compliment
4. Which sentence uses "criticize" correctly?
a) She criticized the cake by eating it.
b) He criticized the painting for its lack of detail.
c) The criticize went to the market.
d) They criticize to the movie happily.
Answer: b) He criticized the painting for its lack of detail.
5. What does the idiom "take criticism in stride" mean?
a) To walk while being criticized
b) To get angry when criticized
c) To accept criticism calmly
d) To avoid being criticized
Answer: c) To accept criticism calmly
