WordGarden.iostandard
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈændəd/
US
- /ˈstændərd/
Meanings
Adjective
usual, basic, or regularly used rather than special or customized
Noun
an accepted level or reference used to judge quality, performance, or correctness
an agreed rule or technical specification used to keep things consistent or compatible
a song that remains widely known and is frequently performed, especially in jazz or pop
Beyond the definition
A standard is what people see as usual, normal, or expected, like the common size for a doorway or the usual way to spell a word. It can also be a rule or requirement, such as safety standards for cars. Think of it as a level other things are compared with. If something meets the standard, it is good enough.
Imagine you're baking cookies. You follow a usual recipe with set amounts of flour, sugar, and butter. That gives you a clear level to follow. Or think about school: there is a standard level of work expected for each grade. The word can also describe something ordinary or basic, like a standard room in a hotel.
The word "standard" has several connected meanings, all built around the idea of a level that is seen as normal, usual, accepted, or required. It is often used to set expectations and give people something clear to compare with. For example, "industry standards" are the accepted ways of doing things in a particular field, helping keep work consistent and reliable.
A standard can be a physical measure, like the usual width of railroad tracks or the standard voltage for electrical outlets in a country. It can also be an abstract idea, such as "moral standards," which describe ideas of right and wrong, or "educational standards," which define what students should know at each grade level.
As an adjective, "standard" means typical, ordinary, or basic, like a "standard room" in a hotel or a "standard procedure" for handling emergencies. In some cases, it can also name a well-known example that many people know, such as a jazz standard.
The word also has an older sense meaning a flag or banner, though that use is much less common today. That older meaning helps show how the word came to suggest a point of reference that people gather around or measure things against.
So whether you are talking about measurements, rules, expectations, quality, or typical examples, "standard" points to what is considered normal, acceptable, or required, and it gives a level by which other things are judged.
Examples
- 1
Ticket types
We offer two ticket types: standard and premium.
- 2
Hotel room
The hotel gave us a standard room with a queen-size bed.
- 3
Expected quality
The work wasn't up to the standard we expected.
- Phraseup to the standard
good enough for what is expected
- 4
Safety rules
All new toys must meet strict safety standards.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Expectations
Her teacher has high standards, but he is fair.
- 6
Education goals
The school is trying to raise standards in math and science.
- 7
Common practice
It's standard practice to send a confirmation email after each order.
- 8
Modern comparison
By today's standards, the phone's camera is pretty basic.
- Phraseby today's standards
compared with what people expect now
- 9
Life quality
Many families moved abroad to look for a higher standard of living.
- Phrasestandard of living
the level of comfort and money people have
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- standard procedure
- standard practice
- standard size
- standard equipment
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- standardnounadjective
Forms
- standardspluralnounadjective