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criterion

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The definition of criterion is the standard by which something is judged or assessed.

(noun)

An example of a criterion is the set of guidelines for a thesis which is used to determine whether your thesis was good or bad.

See criterion in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. criteria or criterions

a standard, rule, or test by which something can be judged; measure of value

Origin: < Gr kritērion, means of judging < kritēs, judge; akin to kritikos: see critic

See criterion in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. cri·te·ri·a (-tîrˈē-ə) or cri·te·ri·ons

A standard, rule, or test on which a judgment or decision can be based. See Synonyms at standard.

Origin:

Origin: Greek kritērion

Origin: , from kritēs, judge

Origin: , from krīnein, to separate, judge; see krei- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

cri·teˈri·al (-əl) adjective

Usage Note: Like the analogous etymological plurals agenda and data, criteria is widely used as a singular form. Unlike them, however, it is not yet acceptable in that use.

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