critically

From critical +‎ -ly.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈkɹɪt.ɪk.li/

  • Audio (Southern England):

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• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈkɹɪt.ɪk.li/, [ˈkɹɪɾ.ɪk.li]

  • Audio (Mid-Atlantic US):

    (file)

• IPA^(key): /ˈkɹɪt.ɪ.kəl.i/

critically (comparative more critically, superlative most critically)

1. In a critical manner; with, or in terms of, criticism.

   I looked critically at the frayed carpet of the hotel room.

2. In terms of critique, review, of or by critics

   a critically applauded film

3. With close discernment; accurately; exactly.
   • 1685, John Dryden, transl., “Preface”, in Sylvæ: Or, The Second Part of Poetical Miscellanies, London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC; reprinted Menston, Yorkshire, London: Scolar Press, 1973, →ISBN, page 19:

     Thus difficult it is to underſtand the purity of Engliſh, and critically to diſcern not only good Writers from bad, and a proper ſtile from a corrupt, but alſo to diſtinguiſh that which is pure in a good Author, from that which is vicious and corrupt in him.

4. At a crisis or critical time; in a situation, place, or condition of decisive consequence.

   a fortification critically situated

   • a. 1716 (date written), [Gilbert] Burnet, edited by [Gilbert Burnet Jr.], Bishop Burnet’s History of His Own Time. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: […] Thomas Ward […], published 1724, →OCLC:

     Coming critically the night before the session.

5. Requiring immediate attention; likely to cause a collapse.

   critically ill

   critically injured

   critically endangered

• uncritically