Kritisera

Kritisera is a Swedish verb meaning to criticize, to evaluate or judge the merits and faults of something, often by pointing out flaws or problems. The verb is transitive and takes a direct object: att kritisera en idé, en politik, en bok eller en handling. Kritik can be neutral, analytical, or more evaluative, and kritik kan vara konstruktiv eller hård; konstruktiv kritik focuses on specific aspects and is supported by evidence, while harsh or personliga attacker may focus on the person rather than the object.

Etymology: The verb derives from the noun kritik (criticism) and is cognate with English criticize and other Germanic languages. It traces back to ancient Greek kritikos via Latin criticus and French critique.

Usage notes: In Swedish, both neutral analytical critique and evaluative judgments are expressed with kritisera, but the tone depends on context and phrasing. Expressions such as "kritisera utan saklighet" (to criticize without substance) warn against rhetorical overreach. The related noun is kritik, and the adjective related to evaluation or judging is kritisk.

Conjugation: Infinitive kritisera; present kritiserar; past kritiserade; supine kritiserat. Imperative: kritisera.

See also: kritik, kritisk tänkande, kritiker.