Definition

1. Noun:
   • A principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided: A "criterion" is a specific rule, principle, or test used to form a judgment or make a decision.
   • A distinguishing characteristic used in evaluation or analysis: It serves as a point of reference for measuring, comparing, or assessing qualities.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The main criterion for hiring is relevant work experience.
  • Safety is the most important criterion in designing this equipment.
  • Judges use several criteria to score the artistic performances.

Advanced Usage

• "To meet/satisfy a criterion": To fulfill or reach the required standard.
  • The product must meet all safety criteria before it can be sold.
• "To establish/set a criterion": To define or create a standard for judgment.
  • The committee will set the criteria for the scholarship award.
• "Selection criterion": A specific standard used for choosing between options.
  • Academic excellence is a key selection criterion for this university program.

Variants and Related Words

• Criteria (n, plural): The most common plural form of "criterion".
  • The project was evaluated based on multiple criteria.
• Criterial (adj, rare): Pertaining to or serving as a criterion.
  • The criterial attributes were clearly defined.

Synonyms

• Standard: An accepted or approved level of quality.
• Benchmark: A standard or point of reference.
• Measure: A standard unit used to express size, amount, or degree.
• Gauge: A standard measure or scale of measurement.
• Yardstick: A standard for comparison.

Related Phrases

• "Fail to meet the criterion": To not achieve the required standard.
  • The application failed to meet the primary criterion and was rejected.
• "Against the criterion of...": When judging something in comparison to a specific standard.
  • The proposal was assessed against the criterion of cost-effectiveness.

Notes on Usage

• The word "criterion" is singular. Its standard plural form is criteria. Using "criteria" as a singular noun (e.g., "this criteria is...") is common in informal usage but is often considered incorrect in formal writing, where "this criterion is" should be used for the singular.
• The plural "criterions" is rarely used; "criteria" is the standard and expected plural form.

Noun

1. the ideal in terms of which something can be judged
   • they live by the standards of their community
2. a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated
   • the schools comply with federal standards
   • they set the measure for all subsequent work