criterion
criterion Lexical Profile
criterion Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A principle, rule, or standard by which something may be judged, evaluated, or decided.
"Academic excellence is not the sole criterion for admission to the scholarship program."
A defining characteristic, symptom, or trait used to classify or diagnose a condition.
"Persistent joint inflammation is a primary diagnostic criterion for rheumatoid arthritis."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Criterion" is the singular form, whereas "criteria" is the Greek plural; in formal and academic writing, "criteria" should not be used with singular verbs or determiners (e.g., "a criteria").
• Rhymes for criterion
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from Ancient Greek kriterion, meaning "a standard for judging," derived from krinein ("to separate, decide, or judge"), which also gave English "critic" and "crisis."