Condemnation vs. Criticism — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on October 13, 2023
Condemnation is the expression of strong disapproval or censure, often in a formal manner. Criticism, while also expressing disapproval, is the act of evaluating or analyzing, sometimes constructively.
Difference Between Condemnation and Criticism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Condemnation and criticism both pertain to judgments or evaluations, but they manifest in distinct ways and have different nuances. Condemnation is an expression of strong disapproval, usually directed towards actions, behaviors, or ideas. It carries a weightier tone, and when one condemns, they are essentially saying something is wrong without necessarily providing a remedy.
Criticism, on the other hand, has a broader scope. While it does involve pointing out faults, criticisms can be constructive and are often intended to provide feedback for improvement. It is an evaluation, sometimes professional, that is not always negative in nature. A film critic, for instance, might offer both praise and critiques of a movie.
Another distinction lies in the degree of formality. Condemnations often come in formal settings or statements, like from institutions, governments, or official bodies. They bear a sense of finality. Criticism, conversely, can be both formal and informal, from a professional review to casual feedback among peers.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Strong disapproval
Evaluation or analysis
Intent
Primarily negative
Can be negative or constructive
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Formality
Often formal
Can be both formal and informal
Associated Action
Denouncing
Evaluating
Typical Scenario
An institution condemning a harmful act
A coach offering criticism to improve a player's skill
Compare with Definitions
Condemnation
An expression of blame or guilt.
The letter was a condemnation of his past mistakes.
Criticism
The practice of judging the merits of artistic works.
Literary criticism explores themes, symbols, and structures in texts.
Condemnation
A sentence to punishment, especially death.
The criminal faced condemnation after his heinous act.
Criticism
Remarks or comments intended to help someone improve.
She welcomed the criticism from her mentor.
Condemnation
The act of expressing strong disapproval.
The mayor's actions faced condemnation from the public.
Criticism
A detailed analysis or assessment.
The art critic provided a thorough criticism of the painting's elements.
Condemnation
An official reprimand or censure.
The court issued a condemnation of the company's illegal practices.
Criticism
Negative feedback or disapproval.
He has faced criticism for his controversial views.
Condemnation
The act of condemning.
Criticism
The act of criticizing, especially adversely.
Condemnation
The state of being condemned.
Criticism
A critical comment or judgment.
Condemnation
Severe reproof; strong censure.
Criticism
The practice of analyzing, classifying, interpreting, or evaluating literary or other artistic works.
Condemnation
A reason or occasion for condemning.
Criticism
A critical article or essay; a critique.
Condemnation
The act of condemning or pronouncing to be wrong.
Criticism
The investigation of the origin and history of literary documents; textual criticism.
Condemnation
The act of judicially condemning, or adjudging guilty, unfit for use, or forfeited; the act of dooming to punishment or forfeiture.
Criticism
(uncountable) The act of criticising; a critical judgment passed or expressed
The politician received a lot of public criticism for his controversial stance on the issue.
Condemnation
The state of being condemned.
Criticism
(countable) A critical observation or detailed examination and review.
The politician received several detailed criticisms of his stance on the issue.
Condemnation
The ground or reason of condemning.
Criticism
The rules and principles which regulate the practice of the critic; the art of judging with knowledge and propriety of the beauties and faults of a literary performance, or of a production in the fine arts; as, dramatic criticism.
The elements ofcriticism depend on the two principles of Beauty and Truth, one of which is the final end or object of study in every one of its pursuits: Beauty, in letters and the arts; Truth, in history and sciences.
By criticism, as it was first instituted by Aristotle, was meant a standard of judging well.
Condemnation
The process by which a public entity exercises its powers of eminent domain.
Criticism
The act of criticising; a critical judgment passed or expressed; a critical observation or detailed examination and review; a critique; animadversion; censure.
About the plan of "Rasselas" little was said by the critics; and yet the faults of the plan might seem to invite severe criticism.
Condemnation
The act of condemning or pronouncing to be wrong; censure; blame; disapprobation.
In every other sense of condemnation, as blame, censure, reproof, private judgment, and the like.
Criticism
Disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings;
The senator received severe criticism from his opponent
Condemnation
The act of judicially condemning, or adjudging guilty, unfit for use, or forfeited; the act of dooming to punishment or forfeiture.
A legal and judicial condemnation.
Whose condemnation is pronounced.
Criticism
A serious examination and judgment of something;
Constructive criticism is always appreciated
Condemnation
The state of being condemned.
His pathetic appeal to posterity in the hopeless hour of condemnation.
Criticism
A written evaluation of a work of literature
Condemnation
The ground or reason of condemning.
This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather light, because their deeds were evil.
Criticism
The act of expressing disapproval and noting the faults of someone or something.
His novel received sharp criticism from literary experts.
Condemnation
An expression of strong disapproval; pronouncing as wrong or morally culpable;
His uncompromising condemnation of racism
Condemnation
(law) the act of condemning (as land forfeited for public use) or judging to be unfit for use (as a food product or an unsafe building)
Condemnation
An appeal to some supernatural power to inflict evil on someone or some group
Condemnation
The condition of being strongly disapproved of;
He deserved nothing but condemnation
Condemnation
(criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed;
The conviction came as no surprise
Condemnation
The action of condemning property or land.
The old building faced condemnation and was set for demolition.
Common Curiosities
Can criticism be positive?
Yes, criticism can be constructive and aimed at improvement.
Is condemnation a reaction?
Often, it's a reaction to actions or behaviors deemed wrong.
Is all criticism meant to be hurtful?
No, criticism can be constructive and intended for growth.
Can a building face condemnation?
Yes, buildings deemed unsafe might face legal condemnation.
Who might face the most criticism?
Public figures, artists, or anyone under scrutiny might face more criticism.
Is condemnation a formal judgment?
It can be, especially when coming from official bodies.
What's the opposite of condemnation?
Approval or endorsement is often the opposite.
Is condemnation always negative?
Typically, yes. It's an expression of strong disapproval.
What does condemnation imply?
Condemnation implies strong disapproval or censure, often formally.
Can criticism be professional?
Absolutely, many professionals offer criticism as part of their job, like art critics.
Does criticism always offer a way forward?
Ideally, constructive criticism does, but not all criticism is constructive.
Who typically offers criticism?
Anyone, from experts in a field to peers, can offer criticism.
Can one avoid condemnation?
Actions aligned with accepted norms or ethics may avoid condemnation.
Is feedback the same as criticism?
Feedback is broader and can be purely positive, while criticism tends to point out faults.
Can condemnation lead to legal actions?
Yes, especially in the context of properties deemed unsafe or in the case of legal censures.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
