Reading Theme:
Criterion Definition, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：standard for judgment (criterion)
criterion
/kraɪˈtɪriən/
n.
A rule or principle you use to judge something, like a teacher's rule for giving grades.
standard for judgment
➕
/ˈstændərd fɔːr ˈdʒʌdʒmənt/
n.
A criterion is a rule or principle used to make a judgment or decision.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'kritērion' meaning 'standard', derived from 'kritēs' (judge).
💡 Mnemonic
Criterion rhymes with 'the lion' - imagine a lion judging a competition with a strict standard.
📖 Example
The main criterion for choosing the winner of the competition was creativity.
The main criterion for choosing the winner of the competition was creativity.
🔗 Collocations
meet the criterion – fulfill the required standard
main criterion – the most important factor
selection criterion – a rule for choosing
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
anomaly (n.) – something that deviates from the standard
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Greek 'kritērion' (judging standard). Used by Aristotle in logic. In modern English, it is a key term in evaluation frameworks like criteria for success.
Meaning 2：specific requirement (criterion)
criterion
/kraɪˈtɪriən/
n.
A specific rule or requirement that must be met to qualify for something, like joining a club.
specific requirement
➕
/spəˈsɪfɪk rɪˈkwaɪərmənt/
n.
A criterion is a particular rule or condition that must be satisfied for something to qualify.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Before you apply for a loan, you should check if you meet all the bank's lending criterion.
Before you apply for a loan, you should check if you meet all the bank's lending criterion.
🔗 Collocations
lending criterion – a rule set by a bank for giving loans
qualifying criterion – a condition that must be met to be eligible
design criterion – a standard that a product must satisfy
🔄 Synonyms
requirement (n.) – something that is needed or demanded
prerequisite (n.) – something required as a prior condition
condition (n.) – a fact or situation that must exist for something else to happen
🚫 Antonyms
option (n.) – something that is not required and can be chosen freely
🌱 Derivatives
criteriology (n.) – the study of criteria
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