Criterion — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /krī-ˈtir-ē-ən/ cri·te·ri·on

Meaning & Definition of Criterion

Criterion (noun)

  1. a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based
  2. a characterizing mark or trait

Criterion (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared

    "one criterion for grading these essays will be their conformity to the rules of traditional grammar"

    similar: bar, barometer, benchmark, gold standard, grade, mark, measure, metric, par, standard, touchstone, yardstick
    related: case, example, instance, average, norm, rule, acme, apex, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith
    near: aberration, abnormality, deviation

  2. something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind

    "an exceptionally high degree of physical risk is the preeminent criterion of an extreme sport"

    similar: affection, attribute, attribution, character, characteristic, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch, trait
    related: badge, indication, sign, emblem, symbol, token, charm, grace, excellence, merit, virtue, eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, oddity, quirk, individuality, singularity, uniqueness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Criterion

The most common words with a similar meaning to Criterion:

bar, barometer, benchmark, gold standard, grade, mark, measure, metric, par, standard, touchstone, yardstick, affection, attribute, attribution, character, characteristic, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch, trait

Related Words for Criterion

case, example, instance, average, norm, rule, acme, apex, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith, badge, indication, sign, emblem, symbol, token, charm, grace, excellence, merit, virtue, eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, oddity, quirk, individuality, singularity

Near Antonyms of Criterion

aberration, abnormality, deviation

Word Forms of Criterion

Inflections: criteria, criterions

Origin & Etymology of Criterion

borrowed from Greek kritḗrion, from kri-, variant stem of krī́nein "to separate, choose, decide, judge" + -tērion, suffix of instruments certain:1

First known use: 1622

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Criterion

Frequently Asked Questions about Criterion

What does "Criterion" mean?

"Criterion" means a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based. As a noun, it is defined as: a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Criterion"?

Other words for "Criterion" include bar, barometer, benchmark, gold standard, grade, mark, measure and metric. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Criterion" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Criterion"?

There are 64 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Criterion". Common alternatives include bar, barometer, benchmark, gold standard, grade, mark, measure, metric, par and standard.

How do you use "Criterion" in a sentence?

Examples of "Criterion" in a sentence: "one criterion for grading these essays will be their conformity to the rules of traditional grammar"; "an exceptionally high degree of physical risk is the preeminent criterion of an extreme sport".

Is "Criterion" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Criterion" is a noun.

Is "Criterion" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Criterion" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Criterion"?

"Criterion" is pronounced /krī-ˈtir-ē-ən/ and divided into syllables as cri·te·ri·on.

What is the origin of the word "Criterion"?

"Criterion" comes from borrowed from Greek kritḗrion, from kri-, variant stem of krī́nein "to separate, choose, decide, judge" + -tērion, suffix of instruments certain:1. First known use: 1622.