Definition
A criterion is a principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided. It is a singular term that refers to a specific rule, test, or measure used to make a judgment or evaluation. Criteria (the plural form of criterion) are essential in various fields such as science, academia, and industry to assess performance, quality, or suitability in a systematic and objective manner.
Etymology and Origin
The word criterion comes directly from the Greek kriterion, which means “a standard for judging or deciding”. The root of this term, kritēs, relates to krinein, meaning “to decide” or “to judge”. This etymology reflects the concept of using specific benchmarks or standards as a basis for making informed decisions or evaluations. The usage of criterion in English has been consistent with its Greek origins, signifying a singular measure among potentially many (criteria) used for assessment or decision-making.
