Benchmarks Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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benchmarks
[ˈbɛn(t)ʃˌmɑːrk ]
Definitions
performance evaluation
Benchmarks are standards or points of reference used for comparison or measurement of performance or quality.
Synonyms
criteria, reference points, standards.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| benchmarks |
Benchmarks are specific measurements or points of reference used for comparison, usually in performance evaluations. They are often used in business, education, and various industries to measure progress or performance.
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| standards |
Standards are accepted levels of quality or attainment. They are typically utilized in regulatory and professional contexts to ensure consistency and quality.
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| criteria |
Criteria refer to the principles or standards by which something is judged or decided. It is often used in decision-making processes, assessments, and evaluations where specific standards need to be met.
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| reference points |
Reference points are specific spots or markers used for guidance and comparison. They are usually employed in contexts where directions or spatial awareness are important.
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Examples of usage
- Companies use benchmarks to assess their progress and performance.
- The industry benchmarks help companies set realistic goals.
- Teachers use benchmarks to evaluate students' progress.
- Performance benchmarks are essential for measuring success in business.
- Setting benchmarks allows for tracking and improvement over time.
computing
In computing, benchmarks are tests or programs used to assess the performance of hardware or software.
Synonyms
evaluations, performance measures, tests.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| benchmarks |
Used when comparing performance against a standard or set level of performance.
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| tests |
Used in situations where the primary goal is to examine, investigate, or determine the capabilities or qualities of someone or something.
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| evaluations |
Used when discussing the overall assessment or judgement of performance, quality, or value.
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| performance measures |
Refers to specific metrics or indicators used to quantify the effectiveness and efficiency of an operation.
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Examples of usage
- Tech companies use benchmarks to compare the speed of different processors.
- Running benchmarks can help identify bottlenecks in the system.
- Gamers often use benchmarks to optimize their gaming experience.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Business
- In business, benchmarks are used to compare performance against industry standards to gauge success and identify areas for improvement.
- Many companies use benchmarking to examine competitors and adopt best practices to enhance their operations.
- Performance benchmarks can include metrics like sales growth, customer satisfaction, and productivity rates.
Education
- In education, benchmarks help teachers assess student progress and determine if they meet educational standards.
- Standardized tests often serve as benchmarks to evaluate school performance and student readiness for the next grade level.
- These benchmarks guide curriculum development to ensure students achieve necessary skills at each level.
Technology
- In tech development, benchmarks measure software and hardware performance, such as speed, efficiency, or graphics capabilities.
- Benchmarking in programming allows developers to test and optimize their code against established performance standards.
- Popular software tools often provide benchmarks to compare system capabilities and identify areas needing upgrades.
Psychology
- Psychological benchmarks can help track an individual's mental health progress or the efficacy of treatment over time.
- Setting personal benchmarks contributes to goal setting and motivation, allowing individuals to see tangible progress in their lives.
- In behavioral psychology, benchmarks help assess learning curves and the acquisition of new skills over periods of time.
Origin of 'benchmarks'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'benchmark' originated from the surveying and construction industry, where it referred to marks made on a bench or a stone to indicate a fixed point for measurements.
- The word combines 'bench', referring to a platform, with 'mark', indicating a point of measurement.
- Historically, a benchmark allowed builders to ensure their work was level and accurate.
The term 'benchmark' originated from the practice of using a physical mark on a workbench as a point of reference for measurement. Over time, it evolved to represent any standard or point of reference for comparison or evaluation. In the computing context, benchmarks became crucial for assessing the performance of hardware and software components.