criteria
Standards or principles used to judge or decide something
Examples
In a meeting
“What are the criteria for selecting the vendor?”
Over coffee
“My criteria for a good restaurant are taste, price, and location.”
Why this word
standards
criteria are specific principles or measures for judging or deciding, while standards can be more general benchmarks of quality
requirements
criteria are evaluative measures used for assessment, while requirements are mandatory conditions that must be met
factors
criteria are established benchmarks for judgment, while factors are simply elements that contribute to a result
Usage tip
Use when establishing or discussing standards for evaluation or selection
Etymology
Greek 'kriterion' (means of judging) from 'krites' (judge) from 'krinein' (to decide)
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Related words
benchmark
A standard or point of reference for measuring or comparing performance.
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
negligible
So small or unimportant as to not be worth considering.
excessive
More than what is necessary, normal, or desirable; too much.
relevant
Closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand.
rigorous
Extremely thorough and careful