Origin: French suffix -ique
Critique has 5 different meanings across 2 categories:
an essay or article that gives a critical evaluation (as of a book or play)
"The literary journal published a detailed critique of the new novel, praising its innovative structure while noting flaws in character development."
The art of criticism.
"The university offered an elective course in critique to teach students how to analyze and evaluate artistic works effectively."
To review something; to criticize.
"The art professor wrote a detailed critique of the student's painting, pointing out both its strengths and areas needing improvement."
In plain English: To critique means to examine something carefully and say what you think is good or bad about it.
"The teacher offered constructive critique on my essay to help me improve."
The word entered English directly from the French term critique, which itself came from New Latin. Originally meaning "critical," it was borrowed into English to describe a detailed analysis or evaluation of something.