critical thinking

American

[krit-i-kuhl thing-king] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl ˈθɪŋ kɪŋ /

noun

disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence.

The questions are intended to develop your critical thinking.

Etymology

Origin of critical thinking

First recorded in 1810–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Detecting and defending against cyber-hacking is perhaps harder, and requires both expertise and critical thinking.

From Salon

It really is more soft skills—critical thinking, adaptability.

From The Wall Street Journal

To recommit to ideals that have made a strong liberal arts education foundational to American democracy: critical thinking, dialogue, pluralism, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

From The Wall Street Journal

Journalism requires thought, patience, critical thinking and the application of the scientific method to mass communication.

From Salon

"Workers also need support to build judgement, critical thinking, physical skills, leadership and the confidence to use these tools safely."

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023