WordValecriterion
a standard by which something is judged
a principle by which something is judged
In more detail
1. (noun) a standard or principle used for judging, evaluating, or deciding something
2. (noun) a requirement that must be met or satisfied
Examples
- 1. The main criterion for hiring new employees is previous experience in the field.
- 2. To qualify for the scholarship, students must meet several criteria, including a minimum GPA.
How to use criterion
Criterion is a formal noun used in academic, professional, and evaluative contexts to denote the basis on which judgments are made. It can refer to either a principle for assessment or a specific requirement that must be satisfied. The plural is criteria (sometimes criteriions in informal usage, though nonstandard).
Common phrases
- meet a criterion
- establish criteria
- evaluation criterion
- selection criterion
- by this criterion
Synonyms
standard · measure · benchmark · yardstick · requirement
Word family
criteria (plural noun) · criterial (adjective, technical)
A common mistake
Using 'criteria' as a singular noun (e.g., 'this criteria is important' instead of 'this criterion is important'), or the reverse error of treating 'criterion' as plural.
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