Criteria Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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criteria
[krɪˈtɪərɪə ]
Definitions
evaluation
A principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided.
Synonyms
benchmark, criterion, guideline, measure, standard.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| criteria |
Use when discussing multiple standards or principles used to judge or decide something.
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| standard |
Use when referring to a level of quality or attainment that is accepted as normal or average.
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| measure |
Use when discussing a standard or unit to quantify or assess something.
|
| benchmark |
Use when referring to a specific standard or point of reference against which things are compared or assessed.
|
| guideline |
Use when referring to a general rule or piece of advice meant to steer behavior or decisions.
|
| criterion |
Use when referring to a single standard or principle used to judge or decide something.
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Examples of usage
- The criteria for selecting candidates include experience and qualifications.
- The company has strict criteria for assessing employee performance.
- The criteria for winning the competition were clearly outlined.
- The criteria used in the study were well-established and reliable.
- The committee will review the criteria for eligibility.
biology
A standard or reference point for making comparisons.
Synonyms
basis, benchmark, reference point, standard, yardstick.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| criteria |
Used when listing the standards or rules by which something is judged or decided.
|
| standard |
Used when referring to levels of quality or attainment that are considered acceptable or desirable.
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| reference point |
Used when talking about something that is used for comparison to measure or judge other things.
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| basis |
Used when referring to the fundamental principles or reasons on which something is based.
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| yardstick |
Used informally to measure or judge something, typically involving strict or critical comparison.
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| benchmark |
Used when referring to a standard or point of reference against which things can be compared or assessed.
|
Examples of usage
- The pH level of the soil is an important criteria for plant growth.
- Temperature is a key criteria in determining the habitat of certain species.
- The size of the wingspan is a criteria used to classify birds.
- One of the criteria for species classification is genetic similarity.
- The criteria for mammalian classification include reproductive characteristics.
psychology
A characteristic or attribute used to evaluate or analyze behavior.
Synonyms
attribute, characteristic, feature, quality, trait.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| criteria |
Used when referring to a standard or set of standards by which something is judged or decided.
|
| attribute |
Used when referring to a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something.
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| characteristic |
Refers to a typical feature or quality that serves to identify someone or something.
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| trait |
Often used to describe a specific characteristic or quality, typically referring to personality or behavior.
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| quality |
Refers to an inherent or distinguishing characteristic or property, often denoting something positive.
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| feature |
Refers to a distinctive attribute or aspect of something, often used in marketing or when describing products.
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Examples of usage
- Self-esteem is a significant criteria for assessing mental health.
- Empathy is a criteria often used in studies of social behavior.
- An individual's level of motivation can be a criteria for success.
- The criteria for diagnosing a disorder may include specific symptoms.
- Personality traits can be considered criteria for compatibility.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Education
- In education, grading criteria help teachers evaluate student performance consistently.
- Rubrics are detailed criteria used to assess the quality of student work, outlining expectations and standards.
- These criteria can vary widely between disciplines, indicating the subjective nature of evaluation.
Psychology
- In decision-making psychology, having clear criteria can reduce anxiety by providing structure to choices.
- Research shows that people often experience cognitive biases when they lack defined criteria for evaluation.
- The established criteria can help in effectively managing expectations and improving outcomes in group decision-making.
Business
- In the business world, criteria are essential for assessing project proposals and employee performance alike.
- Companies often use specific hiring criteria to ensure they find candidates who fit their organizational culture.
- Decision matrices employ criteria to compare different options and facilitate clearer choices among alternatives.
Art
- In art, criteria are used to judge works during competitions and exhibitions to maintain certain standards.
- Art critics often establish criteria for evaluating the quality and impact of various artworks across genres.
- Art movements also set their own criteria that denote stylistic and thematic qualities that define certain periods.
Origin of 'criteria'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'criteria' comes from the Greek word 'kriteia' meaning 'a means of judgment.'
- In English, 'criteria' is the plural form of 'criterion,' which means a single standard or rule.
- The term has been used in English since the 19th century, showing its long-standing relevance in discussions of judgment.
The word 'criteria' entered the English language in the late 17th century from the Greek word 'kriterion', meaning a standard for judgment. Originally used primarily in philosophical and academic contexts, its usage expanded over time to encompass various fields such as science, psychology, and business. Today, 'criteria' is a commonly used term in evaluating, comparing, and analyzing different aspects of life and work.