Criteria are the rules, standards, or tests you use to judge or decide something. They help you compare options fairly and logically.
From Greek *kritērion* “means of judging,” from *kritēs* “judge,” related to *krinein* “to decide, separate.” *Criteria* is the plural form of *criterion* in Greek and in English.
People often say “a criteria” by mistake, but *criteria* is already plural—the single form is *criterion*. When you list your criteria, you’re literally building a mini court in your mind with rules for how to judge things.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.