criterion
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (2)
- a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated“the schools comply with federal standards”“they set the measure for all subsequent work”Synonyms: standardmeasuretouchstone
- the ideal in terms of which something can be judged“they live by the standards of their community”Synonyms: standard
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onerousadjective
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Cri·te′ri·on (kr?-t?′r?-?n), noun; pl. Criteria (-…), sometimes Criterions (-…nz).
Origin: Gr. … a means for judging, fr. … decider, judge, fr. … to separate. See Certain.
A standard of judging; any approved or established rule or test, by which facts, principles opinions, and conduct are tried in forming a correct judgment respecting them.
Of the diseases of the mind there is no criterion.— John Donne
Inferences founded on such enduring criteria.— Sir George Cornewall Lewis
Synonyms: Standard; measure; rule.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54