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Where does the word "criterion" come from? It comes from Greek kritērion, and was adopted directly into English (1610s).
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Where does the word "criterion" come from? It comes from Greek kritērion, and was adopted directly into English (1610s).
Criterion’s story begins in Greek: kritērion meant “means of judging.” Greek, from 'kritēs', judge. It reached English by 1610s as criterion. The plural 'criteria' keeps the Greek form. Today, criterion means a standard for judging.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient kritērion "means of judging", Greek, from 'kritēs', judge.
- Stage 2 · English · 1610s criterion "standard", the plural 'criteria' keeps the Greek form.