criterion
C1Formal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
A principle, standard, or test by which something is judged, evaluated, or decided.
A defining characteristic used in making comparative judgments or assessments, often forming part of a set of requirements.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is singular; its plural is 'criteria'. Using 'criteria' as a singular noun is a common error. The concept implies a measurable or observable benchmark.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or standard usage. The non-standard singular use 'criteria' is equally common and discouraged in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both; associated with systematic evaluation.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British academic writing, but a core word in formal contexts in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
criterion for + noun/gerund (criterion for selection)criterion of + noun (criterion of quality)criterion that + clause (the criterion that applicants must meet)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to define key performance indicators (KPIs) or requirements for hiring, investment, or project success.
Academic
Fundamental to research methodology, defining the standards for inclusion in a study or for assessment.
Everyday
Less common; used when discussing formal decisions like house purchases or school admissions.
Technical
Used in fields like statistics (decision criterion), engineering (design criteria), and logic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The main criterion for the job is good communication skills.
- Financial stability is a key criterion the bank uses when evaluating loan applications.
- The study did not meet the inclusion criterion, so it was excluded from the analysis.
- The selection committee applied a rigorous criterion of originality, which few submissions satisfied.
- One criterion by which we may judge a civilisation is the robustness of its cultural institutions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CRITical decISION' -> A CRITERion is a CRITical standard for making a decISION.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CRITERION IS A MEASURING TOOL (e.g., a yardstick, a litmus test).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusion with 'критерий' (which is singular) and 'критерии' (plural). The trap is the reverse: mistakenly using the English plural 'criteria' as a singular noun, influenced by the Russian singular ending '-ий'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'criteria' as a singular noun (e.g., 'This is the main criteria').
- Using 'criterion' for the plural form.
- Misspelling as 'criterium' (which is a bicycle race).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'criterion' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The plural is 'criteria'.
No, it is considered non-standard and a common error in formal writing, though it is frequently heard in informal speech.
A 'criterion' is often a specific, defined standard used for judgment in a particular context. A 'standard' can be more general and established by authority or custom.
Yes, but it is more formal. In casual conversation, people might use 'standard', 'rule', or 'requirement' instead.