condemn vs. criticize

[unruly2009]

Hi All,

I'm not sure how to use the word "condemn;" I was wondering if you all can help me out. When can I appropriately use the use condemn in a sentence?
And are condemn and criticize interchangeable? Also, is condemn only used in writing but not in conversation? Your advice is greatly appreciated.

[Daruma]

condemn - Definition from Longman English Dictionary Online

criticize - Definition from Longman English Dictionary Online

I hope these webpages help.

[Raymott]

Hi All,

I'm not sure how to use the word "condemn;" I was wondering if you all can help me out. When can I appropriately use the use condemn in a sentence?
And are condemn and criticize interchangeable? Also, is condemn only used in writing but not in conversation? Your advice is greatly appreciated.

No, they are definitely not interchangeable. "criticise" can mean to evaluate positively, or objectively; 'condemn' doesn't have positive connotations.

[konungursvia]

I agree. Also, note that due to human nature, "criticize" can have a very negative feeling, even though it may be intended as constructive criticism.

[vil]

I’m not a teacher.

Hi unruly2009,

Criticize can mean merely to evaluate without necessarily finding fault; however, usually the word implies the expression of disapproval: The review criticized the novel.

If it's painful for you to criticize your friends, you're safe in doing it; if you take the slightest pleasure in it, that's the time to hold your tongue. — Alice Duer Miller

Condemn denotes the pronouncement of harshly adverse judgment: “The wrongs which we seek to condemn and punish have been so calculated, so malignant and so devastating that civilization cannot tolerate their being ignored because it cannot survive their being repeated

Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain, and most fools do. — Benjamin Franklin

Regards,

V.

[unruly2009]

Thanks so much for the clarification; I now have a better understanding of the two words.