ˈkrid.ə̇ˌsizəm, -itə̇ˌ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: critic (I) + -ism
1.
a. : the act of criticizing usually unfavorably : faultfinding disapproval and objection
b. : critique
2. obsolete : a subtle point or fine distinction : nicety , subtlety
3. : the art of evaluating or analyzing with knowledge and propriety works of art or literature
the first principle of criticism , which is, to consider the nature of the piece, and the intent of its author — Alexander Pope
broadly : similar consideration of other than literary matters (as moral values or the soundness of scientific hypotheses and procedures)
4. : the scientific investigation of literary documents (as the Bible) in regard to such matters as origin, text, composition, character, or history
5. : critical philosophy