Standardise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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standardise

[ˈstændəˌdaɪz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

general usage

To standardise means to make things conform to a standard or to establish a common standard for practices. This process often involves the creation of norms, guidelines, or measurements that ensure a consistent approach or quality across various items or practices. Standardisation can apply to products, processes, or systems, aiming to reduce variability and ensure reliability. It is widely used in manufacturing, services, and technology to improve quality and efficiency.

Synonyms

harmonize, normalize, regulate, systematize.

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to standardise its production processes to improve quality.
  • We need to standardise the measurements used in our research.
  • The guidelines aim to standardise the reporting of financial results.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In research, standardisation ensures that experiments can be repeated and validated, making findings reliable across different studies.
  • Measurement standards, like the meter or kilogram, are crucial in science, ensuring that everyone can measure the same thing in the same way.

Business Practices

  • Standardisation in businesses helps in maintaining quality control, making sure that products made in different places are of the same quality.
  • ISO (International Organization for Standardization) develops standards to help businesses improve efficiency and gain international recognition.

Cultural Practices

  • Culturally, standardisation can affect language, diet, and dress, as societies may adopt common practices that define their identity.
  • In technology, standardisation can limit diversity but can also enable broader communication and compatibility between different systems.

Education

  • Standardised testing in schools aims to evaluate students under the same conditions, although it often sparks debate about fairness and effectiveness.
  • Curriculum standardisation is used to ensure that all students receive a uniform education regardless of where they live.

Origin of 'standardise'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the late Middle Ages when 'standard' meant a flag or a sign used to rally troops. It evolved to signify norms.
  • From the Old French 'estendre' meaning 'to stretch out', it reflects the idea of extending rules or common practices over a wide area.

The term 'standardise' derives from the root word 'standard', which comes from the Old French 'estendre', meaning to establish or create. This was further influenced by the term 'standarde', an early English term indicating a flag or banner used as a symbolic standard. The concept of creating uniform measures or specifications began to take shape during the 19th century, especially during the industrial revolution when manufacturers sought efficiency and consistency in production. The act of standardising involves formalising these practices to ensure that they are universally applied and recognised.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,255 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.