Kriteeriumidel

Kriteeriumidel is an Estonian plural adessive form of the noun kriteerium, which means criterion or standard. It is not a separate concept, but a grammatical form used when referring to multiple criteria in a sentence. In standard Estonian, the base noun is kriteerium (singular) and kriteeriumid (nominative plural); kriteeriumidel is the form used to indicate “on the criteria” or “with respect to the criteria” in context.

Etymology and usage context: The Estonian word kriteerium derives from Latin criterium, itself from Greek kriterion, meaning a judging standard or measure. The adessive plural form kriteeriumidel appears in formal or technical text when the criteria themselves are the focus of discussion, such as in evaluations, assessments, or policy analyses. In many cases, more common phrases such as kriteeriumide alusel (on the basis of the criteria) or kriteeriumide järgi (according to the criteria) are preferred to express basis or reference.

Notes on interpretation: Because kriteeriumidel is a grammatical inflection rather than a standalone technical term, its meaning depends on the surrounding context. Writers typically reserve it for sentences where the criteria themselves are the topic, rather than using it to indicate a basis of decision in everyday language.

See also: kriteerium, kriteeriumide (genitive/plural forms), kriteeriumide alusel, kriteeriumide järgi.

This article provides a concise overview of the form and its typical usage in Estonian, without asserting a separate concept beyond the grammatical function.