A critic is someone whose job involves carefully examining and judging creative works like books, movies, plays, music, or art, then sharing their expert opinion with the public. When a film critic reviews a new movie, they watch it closely and write about what works well and what doesn't, helping audiences decide whether to see it.

Good critics know their subject deeply. A food critic understands cooking techniques and ingredients. A literary critic has read widely and thinks carefully about how stories work. Their judgments matter because they've developed expertise through years of study and experience.

The word also describes anyone who points out flaws or problems. If your sister constantly criticizes your drawing style, she's acting as a critic of your work. When someone offers constructive criticism, they point out problems while also suggesting how to improve. But a person who only complains without offering useful feedback might be called overly critical.

Being a critic requires balance. The best critics explain why something succeeds or fails, not just whether they personally liked it. They can help creators improve and help audiences understand what makes work meaningful. When you critique a classmate's essay during peer review, you're thinking like a critic: looking carefully, judging fairly, and explaining your reasoning clearly.