kríterion

Kríterion, from the Greek κριτήριον, is a term used to denote a standard, principle, or test by which something is judged or measured. The root κριτής means “judge,” and the suffix -τήριον indicates a tool or means, giving kríterion the sense of a tool for judging. In English, the word appears as criterion (singular) and criteria (plural). While some older or less standard usages may encounter criterions, the form criteria is universally preferred for the plural in formal writing.

In philosophy, science, and everyday discourse, a criterion is a standard or rule employed to evaluate facts, arguments, hypotheses, or outcomes. A single criterion provides a specific measure, whereas multiple criteria can be applied to balance different considerations. The concept also extends to decision making, where criteria guide choices, and to evaluation settings such as hiring, testing, or quality control.

Usage and nuance: criterion is often contrasted with synonyms like standard, benchmark, or measure. A criterion is typically a criterion of adequacy or relevance—the basis on which a judgment is made. In some fields, many criteria must be satisfied for an acceptance decision, while in others a single decisive criterion suffices.

See also: criterion, criteria, standard, test, benchmark.