WordGarden.iocriterial
Pronunciation
UK
- /kraɪ̯ˈtɪə̯.rɪəl/uncommonadjective
US
- /krajˈtiːriəl/uncommonadjective
Meanings
Adjective
serving as or relating to a standard used for judgment or classification
Beyond the definition
"Criterial" isn't a word you'll hear every day, but it describes something connected to criteria—the rules or standards used for judging something. Think of a judge at a dog show. They don't just pick their favorite pup; they evaluate each dog based on specific criteria like breed standards, gait, and temperament. If an assessment is "criterial," it means it's directly tied to those established standards. It often appears in academic or technical contexts where precise evaluation is important. For example, a criterial assessment of an essay would grade it strictly according to a grading guide.
The word "criterial" describes something that relates to, depends on, or is determined by criteria—the specific rules, standards, or qualities used to evaluate or judge something. It's not simply about criteria; it means the thing in question is fundamentally shaped by them.
Unlike "critical," which usually means "very important" or can suggest judging or finding fault, "criterial" is neutral. It focuses on the objective process of evaluation itself. You might say an assessment is "criterially based," meaning scores are determined by how well individuals meet predefined standards rather than how they compare to one another. Or you might find that a research study used a "criterial approach," meaning its methodology was carefully designed around specific, measurable benchmarks for success.
The term frequently appears in fields like education, linguistics, and scientific research where objective assessment is crucial. For example, "The selection process was criterially based on years of experience and demonstrated skill." It is a more formal and technical term than simply saying something is "based on criteria." While not common in casual conversation, understanding "criterial" helps you grasp how evaluations are structured and how standards influence outcomes. If something is described as criterially determined, remember: it's all about the rules of the game—and whether the subject meets them.
Examples
- 1
Test validity
The researchers checked the test's criterial validity by comparing the scores with later job performance.
- Domaincriterial validity
how well a test matches or predicts a real result
- 2
Diagnosis
In diagnosing the disorder, anxiety may be common, but it is not criterial.
- 3
Exam grading
For this speaking exam, clear verb forms are criterial, while slight accent differences are not.
See also
Similar
- criterion-based
- evaluative
- determinative
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- criterial feature
- criterial attribute
Word family
- criterion
- criteria
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- criterialadjective