noun
criterion
kry-TEER-ee-un/kraɪˈtɪriən/
A standard used to judge or evaluate something.
The frame provides a size criterion for carry-on luggage.
Etymology
Greek kriterion named a means of judging: a standard against which something could be tested. The English sense preserves this idea of a rule that guides a judgment or decision.
In context
If the size of his boot is any criterion of his build," he said, "he must have been a precious big fellow.
More examples
- The committee applied the same criterion to every applicant.
- Safety remained the main criterion.
- They published the evaluation criteria in advance.
Forms
criterion · criteria
Similar words
- standard
- Standard is broad; a criterion is a specific basis for judgment.
- benchmark
- A benchmark is a reference point for comparison; a criterion states what is judged.