Critical thinking is the analysis of facts to form a judgment. The subject is complex; several different definitions exist, which generally include the rational, skeptical, and unbiased analysis or evaluation of factual evidence.

What does it mean if something is critical?

English Language Learners Definition of critical

: expressing criticism or disapproval. : of or relating to the judgments of critics about books, movies, art, etc. : using or involving careful judgment about the good and bad parts of something.

What does it mean to explain critically?

seriously or extremely, as of a gravely unstable medical condition: critically injured; a critically ill pneumonia patient. with decisive or essential importance with respect to the outcome; crucially; indispensably: The success of this experiment critically relies on optimal weather.