Basic Details
Word: Hypercritical
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Someone who is excessively critical or hard to please.
Synonyms: Overcritical, fault-finding, nitpicking
Antonyms: Lenient, easy-going, forgiving
Idioms and Phrases
- Hypercritical eye: Referring to someone who judges others very harshly. Example: "She always has a hypercritical eye when it comes to art, never satisfied with the paintings."
- Harder to please than a hypercritical judge: Used to describe a person who is extremely difficult to satisfy. Example: "Planning this event is harder to please than a hypercritical judge; nothing seems to be good enough!"
Usage Examples
Example 1: The teacher's hypercritical nature made it challenging for the students to feel accomplished.
Example 2: Even small mistakes drew the attention of her hypercritical friend, who never missed a chance to comment.
Example 3: His hypercritical reviews of movies discouraged many budding filmmakers from sharing their work.
Fun Fact
The term "hypercritical" is derived from the prefix "hyper-", meaning "over" or "excessively," combined with critical, which comes from the Greek word "kritikos," meaning "able to discern or judge." This shows how the word encapsulates an exaggerated form of judgement.
Famous Quote
"To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing." Elbert Hubbard
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "hypercritical" mean?
a) Very understanding
b) Extremely critical
c) Average
d) Supportive
Answer: b) Extremely critical
2. Which of these is a synonym of "hypercritical"?
a) Lenient
b) Overcritical
c) Flexible
d) Complacent
Answer: b) Overcritical
3. Which is an antonym of "hypercritical"?
a) Critical
b) Hard to please
c) Easy-going
d) Demanding
Answer: c) Easy-going
4. Which sentence uses "hypercritical" correctly?
a) His hypercritical comments helped her improve her skills.
b) She was hypercritical of herself but never harsh on others.
c) The hypercritical audience applauded the performance.
d) The hypercritical puppy chewed on the shoe.
Answer: b) She was hypercritical of herself but never harsh on others.
5. What does the idiom "harder to please than a hypercritical judge" mean?
a) Very easy to satisfy
b) Very difficult to satisfy
c) Fair and kind
d) Ignorant of tastes
Answer: b) Very difficult to satisfy
