zozee

Context is key. Technically the word "critical" has multiple meanings, and I think all involve some aspect of negativity.

Critical thinking skills are most definitely positive. The ability to analyze the pros and cons is something that can be taught. But there again, analyzing the cons is part of the skill (the negative parts of a situation, proposition, piece of literature, etc).

Critical care--needed for patients who would certainly die without it (and might, in spite of it) . Negative outcomes are feared.

critical spirit---harsh, fault-finding, unable to see the good in someone or something. Nothing positive about a critical spirit.

Oftentimes the word "criticize" is misused for the word "critique." If I asked to be critiqued on something (my work ,my outfit, my writing) I am asking for both positive and negative feedback. No one in his right mind asks for criticism. By the same token, if someone asks for "constructive criticism," he or she should be ready to accept it, regardless whether it feels more critical than constructive. Not everyone knows how to be tactful.