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Criterion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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criterion

[kraษชหˆtษชษ™riษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

evaluation

A criterion is a standard or principle by which something is judged, assessed, or evaluated. It is used to determine the quality, importance, or success of something.

Synonyms

benchmark, measure, standard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
criterion

Used to denote a single principle or standard by which something is judged or decided.

  • The main criterion for admission is academic performance.
  • Honesty is the only criterion I consider when choosing friends.
standard

Often used to refer to a defined or established requirement, typically accepted as the norm or average.

  • This product meets the highest safety standards.
  • He set a high standard for future leaders.
measure

Used when talking about a basis for comparison or judgment that quantifies or estimates the extent, dimensions, quantity, or capacity of something.

  • Success is difficult to measure in this context.
  • We need a reliable measure of customer satisfaction.
benchmark

Refers to a standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed over time.

  • The new software set a benchmark for the industry.
  • We use the highest sales figures as a benchmark for our performance.

Examples of usage

  • The main criterion for the job promotion is performance.
  • One important criterion for selecting a university is the quality of education.
  • Criteria such as cost, efficiency, and environmental impact are considered in the decision-making process.
  • Meeting the safety criteria is crucial for the approval of the new product.
  • His work did not meet the required criteria for publication.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In research, criteria help define what makes a study valid or credible.
  • Criteria are essential in experiments to ensure that variables are appropriately controlled.
  • In medicine, diagnosis relies on established criteria to determine a patient's condition.

Education

  • Teachers use criteria to grade students, ensuring that assessments are fair and transparent.
  • Curriculum standards often include criteria for student performance across various subjects.
  • In higher education, criteria are vital for admissions processes, defining what qualifies a student for entry.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate different criteria for truth, knowledge, and ethics.
  • Critical thinking emphasizes the use of clear criteria for evaluating arguments and evidence.
  • Different ethical frameworks propose varied criteria for determining what is 'right' or 'wrong'.

Pop Culture

  • In film and literature, characters often face criteria for success, shaping their journeys.
  • Talent shows employ specific criteria to judge participants, impacting the outcomes of competitions.
  • Awards ceremonies set strict criteria for nominations, reflecting industry standards and values.

Origin of 'criterion'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'kriterion', meaning 'a means for judging'.
  • It first entered the English language in the early 19th century, reflecting its importance in logical reasoning.
  • In mathematics, it can refer to specific conditions required for a theorem to be true.

The word 'criterion' originated from the Greek word 'kriterion', meaning 'a means for judging'. It entered the English language in the late 17th century. The concept of using criteria for evaluation and judgment has been fundamental in various fields such as philosophy, science, and decision-making processes.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,407, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.