kritiska

Kritiska is the plural form of the Swedish adjective kritisk, meaning 'critical' in the sense of analytical, skeptical, or of central importance. It is used to describe plural nouns. For example, kritiska röster means "critical voices" and de kritiska frågorna means "the critical questions." The form also appears in various compound phrases and in journalistic or academic contexts to indicate a evaluative stance toward statements, ideas, or situations.

Etymology and grammar: The word kritisk derives from the Latin criticus and Greek kritikos, via French critique and other European languages, ultimately entering Swedish as a common adjective. The plural form kritiska matches other adjectives in Swedish that take -a in plural after a definite or indefinite plural noun. The neuter singular form is kritiskt, and the feminine singular may appear as kritisk; the definite plural form retains the same kritiska ending when describing plural nouns (de kritiska rösterna).

Usage and nuance: In everyday Swedish, kritisk describes a tendency to question, examine evidence, and assess arguments rather than accept statements at face value. In media, academia, and policy discussions, phrases like kritiska bedömningar, kritiska analyser, and kritiska synpunkter are common. The term can carry constructive connotations (helping improve or refine understanding) or negative ones (being overly skeptical or obstructive), depending on context and tone.

See also: kritik (the noun meaning criticism), kritiker (critic), kritik och kritiskt tänkande (critical thinking).