Criteria vs. Criterion

Criterion is a singular standard or specific condition used for judgment or evaluation. Criteria is the plural form of criterion, representing multiple standards or conditions employed to judge, assess, or select something.

In the realm of decision-making and evaluation, the terms criteria and criterion play pivotal roles, often used interchangeably but with distinct nuances. Criteria is the plural form, while criterion is the singular form of the same word.

What does criteria mean?

When we refer to criteria, we are talking about multiple standards or conditions that are employed to judge, assess, or select something. These criteria serve as a set of guidelines or benchmarks that help us make informed choices.

Example sentence

When hiring a new employee, a company might have a set of criteria, such as educational qualifications, work experience, and interpersonal skills, to evaluate potential candidates.

What does criterion mean?

Criterion is the singular form and represents a single standard or a specific condition used for judgment or evaluation. It is the core factor or benchmark upon which a decision is often based.

Example sentence

In the context of academic grading, a teacher might use a specific criterion, such as accuracy in solving mathematical problems, to assess a student's performance.

More example sentences

Criterion:

The main criterion for admission to the prestigious university is academic excellence.
Punctuality is a crucial criterion for success in many professions.
One important criterion for selecting a vacation destination is the climate.
The chef's primary criterion for selecting ingredients is freshness.
The quality of customer service is a key criterion for evaluating a business.

Criteria:

The selection committee considered multiple criteria when choosing the winning proposal.
To apply for the scholarship, you must meet several criteria, including a minimum GPA.
The project's success will be measured based on various criteria, such as cost-effectiveness and timeliness.
The car was evaluated against safety and performance criteria before receiving a rating.
The judging panel used strict criteria to assess the artworks in the competition.

Common idioms/phrases

Using "Criteria" (plural):

Meet the criteria: To satisfy the requirements or standards set for a particular task or qualification.
- Example: She met all the criteria for the scholarship, so she was awarded it.
Selection criteria: The specific qualifications or attributes that are used to choose or select something or someone.
- Example: The selection criteria for the job included relevant experience and a strong work ethic.
Evaluation criteria: The factors or standards used to assess the quality or performance of something.
- Example: The evaluation criteria for the art competition included creativity, originality, and technical skill.
Criteria-based decision: A decision-making process that relies on established criteria to make choices.
- Example: The committee made their decision based on criteria that emphasized cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
Set the criteria: To establish or define the standards or rules that will be used to judge or assess something.
- Example: The professor set the criteria for grading the research papers at the beginning of the semester.

Using "Criterion" (singular):

A singular criterion: Referring to a single standard or factor used for judgment or evaluation.
- Example: Punctuality was the most important criterion for success in that job.
Gold standard criterion: The highest or most reliable standard of measurement or quality.
- Example: This laboratory's testing procedures are considered the gold standard criterion in the industry.
Criterion-referenced assessment: An assessment method that evaluates performance based on predetermined standards or objectives.
- Example: In criterion-referenced assessment, students are judged against specific learning outcomes.
Criterion of success: A fundamental factor or condition that determines whether a project, venture, or effort is successful.
- Example: Meeting customer satisfaction was the criterion of success for the marketing campaign.
Criterion validity:* A statistical measure that assesses how well a test or measure relates to a particular outcome or criterion.
- Example: The researcher examined the criterion validity of the personality assessment tool to see if it accurately predicted job performance.

In summary, "criteria" encompass a collection of standards or conditions, while "criterion" refers to a singular standard or condition. Understanding the distinction between these two terms is crucial for effective decision-making and assessment in various aspects of life, from education and employment to product evaluation and quality control.

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