standard
STAN-derd
/ˈstændərd/
An idea or thing used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations.
While 'rule' implies a command, 'standard' implies a level of quality or a benchmark for excellence that must be reached.
The story behind the word. In medieval warfare, a 'standard' was a large flag or banner used as a rallying point for an army. Because the royal standard was where official weights and measures were often kept for safekeeping, the word eventually shifted from meaning a 'flag' to meaning an 'authoritative measure' of quality or quantity.
Word relationships
- criterion: A criterion is a single principle or standard by which something may be judged.
- benchmark: A benchmark is a standard specifically used for comparison against competitors.
- exception: An exception is something that does not follow the established standard.
Commonly confused with
- regulation: A regulation is a legal requirement, while a standard is a level of quality or a technical requirement.
Word family
- standardize (verb): To make objects or processes of the same type have the same features.
- standardization (noun): The process of making things of the same type have the same features.
Collocations
- gold standard
- industry standard
- standard operating procedure
- meet the standard
Idioms & expressions
- up to standard
- double standard
Example sentences
- "The standard of the world is such that it is not enough to be good; one must be seen to be good." Literature
- "The company set a new industry standard for customer service response times." Business
Memory hook
Think of a 'stand'—a standard is the level where you 'stand' your ground and refuse to go lower. The flag that sets the level.
When not to use
Avoid using 'standard' when you mean 'mandatory law', although standards are often legally enforced, the word itself refers to the level of quality.
Fun facts
- The 'Standard Meter' was once a physical bar of platinum-iridium kept in a vault in France.
- In music, a 'standard' is a song that has become part of the core repertoire.
Related words
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