Difference Between Critical and Crucial

Key Difference – Critical vs Crucial
 

Although the words critical and crucial consist of certain similarities in terms of the meaning of the two words, there is a key difference between the two words. Most people believe that both critical and crucial are used when emphasizing the importance of decisive nature of something. However, despite this similarity in meaning, there are many situations in which the word critical differs from the word crucial. It is this layered meanings of the word critical that bring about a difference between critical and crucial. Through this article let us comprehend the difference between critical and crucial while analyzing the meaning of each word.

What Does Critical Mean?

Critical is used as an adjective in the English language, which denotes that it used to describe a noun. Here are the different meanings that can be generated from the word.

Critical can be used when expressing disapproving comments. When someone wishes to criticize the behavior or express their disapproval of another, they are considered as being critical. Observe the examples.

Why do you have to be critical of every single thing I do?

The old lady was critical of their behavior.

In both situations notice how the adjective has been used to emphasize the disapproval.

It can also be used for assessing a literary or artistic work. Especially, when we speak of literary works critical analysis is considered  an important part that voices the points of view as well as the limitations of the work.

The teacher expected a critical analysis in the assignment.

He has forwarded a critical commentary on the play.

Critical is used when having a decisive importance. This is one of the well-known meanings of the word that aligns it with the word crucial, at times.

She was afraid as she realized that it was a critical decision.

He was fully aware that it was a critical point in his election strategies.

Critical can be used when referring to a point of danger or crisis.

The doctor said that his condition was critical.

It was a critical moment for the government as the country collapsed at the hands of the rebel movement.

What Does Crucial Mean?

Now let us pay attention to the word crucial. The word crucial is used when we want to highlight that something is very important. It is in this sense that a similarity can sometimes be created between the words critical and crucial. However, it is vital to pay attention to the sentence and comprehend which meaning the writer is trying to convey as it can often be misleading. Here are some examples.

Her presence was crucial for the progress of the meeting.

It was a crucial decision for the entire party.

It is important to highlight that in some situations the word crucial is used when there is a stress towards the achievement of a particular goal. In the first example, the progress of the meeting is dependent on the individual.

What is the difference between Critical and Crucial?

Definitions of Critical and Crucial:

Critical: Critical is used when expressing disapproval, for literary work, when highlighting the importance of something and also when referring to a point of danger or crisis.

Crucial: Crucial is used when highlighting the importance of something.

Characteristics of Critical and Crucial:

Adjectives:

Critical: Critical is an adjective.

Crucial: Crucial is an adjective.

Other meanings:

Critical: Critical can be used for a variety of meanings such as for expressing disapproval, for commentary on literary works and also when referring to a point of danger or crisis.

Crucial: Crucial can only be used for highlighting the importance of something. It doesn’t consist of other meanings.