Uncritically

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. Without careful examination or skeptical evaluation of information, claims, or ideas
2. In a manner that lacks thorough analysis or questioning of facts, assertions, or concepts
3. Done without due diligence or critical assessment regarding evidence, statements, or theories

Etymology: "Uncritically" is a plain stack of familiar parts: the English prefix "un-", the adjective "critical", and the adverb ending "-ly". The adjective "critical" goes back through Latin "criticus" to Greek "kritikos," which means able to discern or judge, and that Greek root is "krinein," to separate, decide, or judge. So the core idea is one of sorting things out and deciding what holds up. The "-ly" ending comes from Old English "-līċe," the same ending found in words like "quickly" and "boldly." Attaching it to "uncritical" turns the adjective into an adverb describing how something is done, here meaning without any careful testing of the evidence. The "un-" prefix is an old native English negation, inherited from Old English rather than borrowed.

Synonyms: acceptingly, naively

Antonyms: critically