What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
criticise
Example
I don't mean to criticize, but I think you could have done better. [criticize: verb]
Example
The teacher criticized the student's essay for its lack of clarity. [criticized: past tense]
censure
Example
The senator was censured by his colleagues for his unethical behavior. [censured: past tense]
Example
The company issued a statement censuring the employee for their inappropriate conduct. [censuring: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Criticize is more commonly used than censure in everyday language. Criticize is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while censure is less common and typically used in formal or official settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between criticise and censure?
Censure is a more formal and official word than criticize. It is typically used in legal or political contexts to formally reprimand or punish someone for their misconduct or wrongdoing. Criticize, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts to offer feedback or evaluate the merits and flaws of something.
