criterion
kry-TEER-ee-un
/kraɪˈtɪəriən/
A principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided.
A criterion is a single standard. The plural is 'criteria'. In evaluations, you must meet several criteria to be successful.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'kriterion', meaning 'a means for judging'. It comes from 'krinein', which means 'to separate' or 'to judge'. This is the same root that gave us 'critic' and 'crisis' (a turning point for judgment).
Word relationships
- standard: A standard is a level of quality; a criterion is the specific rule used to judge if that level has been met.
- benchmark: A benchmark is a comparative point of reference; a criterion is a requirement for judgment.
Commonly confused with
- criteria: Criteria is the plural form; criterion is the singular form.
Word family
- criteria (noun): Plural of criterion.
Collocations
- selection criterion
- meet the criterion
- main criterion
- strict criterion
Example sentences
- "The main criterion for this position is at least five years of experience in software sales." Hiring a new employee.
- "Experience is the only criterion of truth." A philosophical text.
Memory hook
A 'criterion' is like a 'critic's' rule. The rule for judging.
When not to use
Avoid using 'criteria' as a singular noun (e.g., 'this criteria is...'). Use 'criterion' for one, 'criteria' for many.
Fun facts
- The 'Criterion Collection' is a famous company that restores and publishes 'important' classic and contemporary films, using strict artistic criteria.
Related words
Explore more words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.