Criterion
/kraɪˈtɪəriən/noun
A standard by which something may be judged or decided.
Did you know?The word 'criterion' has roots in Greek, where it referred to a 'means of judgment'—suggesting that our standards shape our reality!
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
κριτήριον
“A means of judgment or discernment.”
Latin
Latin
criterium
“A standard or principle for judging.”
Middle French
Old French
critère
“A basis for judgment.”
Early Modern English
English
criterion
“A standard for evaluating or deciding.”
19th Century
English
criterion
“Used in philosophical and scientific contexts to denote a standard.”