criteria
Definitions
Standards or principles by which something is judged or decided (plural of criterion)
标准，准则（criterion 的复数）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcriteria is the Greek plural of criterion (a means for judging, from krinein). One yardstick is a criterion; several are criteria. Because we usually judge against more than one standard, the plural ends up far more common than the singular.
Usage Guide
- Plural, takes a plural verb: the criteria ARE strict (not 'is'). One standard = criterion; many = criteria.
- Common error: 'the main criteria is...' is non-standard — use 'criterion' for a single standard.
- Pairs with: meet / satisfy / fulfil the criteria.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Applicants must meet all three criteria to qualify for the grant.
- 2.
What criteria are you using to evaluate these proposals?
- 3.
Price was only one of several criteria in our decision.
Easily Confused
criteria vs criterion — criteria is plural, criterion is singular. The single most common mistake is treating criteria as singular: say 'one criterion,' 'two criteria,' and always pair criteria with a plural verb (are, were).