anticritically
|an-ti-cri-ti-cal-ly|
/ˌæn.tɪˈkrɪt.ɪ.kəl/
(anticritical)
in a way that opposes or avoids criticism
Etymology
'anticritically' is formed in modern English from the prefix 'anti-' (meaning 'against') + the adjective 'critical' + the adverbial suffix '-ly'.
'critical' comes from Greek 'kritikos' via Latin 'criticus' and Old French, while the prefix 'anti-' derives from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against'; the adverbial suffix '-ly' comes from Old English '-lic' (Germanic). These elements combined in Modern English to form 'anticritical' and then 'anticritically'.
Initially the elements meant 'against' + 'able to judge' (i.e. 'against judgment'); over time the compounded form has come to mean 'in a manner opposed to criticism' or more generally 'without critical scrutiny'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner opposed to or rejecting critical judgment; without critical examination or scrutiny.
She defended the author's choices anticritically, refusing to consider any flaws in the argument.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/30 11:55