What is the Difference Between Critique and Criticism?

The difference between critique and criticism lies in their intent, focus, and execution. Here are the main distinctions between the two:

• Intent: Critique is motivated by the intention to serve the creator's goals and help them improve, while criticism seeks to tear a person down and is focused on the critic's goals.
• Focus: Criticism is judgmental and focused on placing blame, finding fault, and highlighting what not to do. In contrast, critique is descriptive and focused on finding solutions, looking at the structure, and providing constructive suggestions.
• Execution: Criticism is often vague, general, and negative, while critique is concrete, specific, and positive, even when addressing what isn't working. Criticism may be spoken with a cruel wit and sarcastic tone, while critique's voice is kind, honest, and objective.

In summary, critique is a more constructive and helpful form of feedback, aiming to provide improvements and solutions, while criticism is destructive and focuses on fault-finding and criticism.

Comparative Table: Critique vs Criticism

Here is a table highlighting the differences between critique and criticism:

In summary, critique is a balanced and constructive evaluation, while criticism is judgmental and destructive. Critique focuses on finding solutions and addressing the merits of the subject, whereas criticism seeks to place blame and criticize the person or creator. The energy behind critique is positive and honest, aiming to help improve the subject being discussed, whereas criticism comes from a negative energy, often trying to tear someone down.