criterion

Pronunciation: kry-TEER-ee-un

noun

Definition of criterion

A principle or standard by which something is judged

Synonyms for criterion

criterion in a Sentence

  1. Academic performance is the primary criterion for scholarship selection.

Why criterion Matters for GRE & SAT

"criterion" is a noun that means "A principle or standard by which something is judged" closely related to words like "standard", "benchmark", "measure". As a word starting with C, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.

On the GRE, understanding "criterion" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "criterion" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.

Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (noun). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "criterion" into long-term memory.

How to Remember criterion

One effective way to remember "criterion" (noun) is to group it with similar words you already know: "standard" and "benchmark" and "measure". When you encounter "criterion" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "A principle or standard by which something is judged".

Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "criterion" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.

  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • calumny — slander and defamation

More Vocabulary Words Starting with C

  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • calumny — slander and defamation
  • calumny — slander and defamation