Etymology Map
Back to all words

Criterion

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a standard for judging

Where does the word "criterion" come from? It comes from Greek kritērion, adopted directly into English (1610s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
kritērion
Greek · ancient
"means of judging"
Greek, from 'kritēs', judge
2
Stage 2 of 2
criterion
English · 1610s
"standard"
the plural 'criteria' keeps the Greek form
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

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.