Cool MateCriterion vs Measure
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Criterion
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)B2noun
Measure
Top 1,000 (very common)B1
Most formal: CriterionMost common: Measure
| Criterion | Measure | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kraɪˈtɪəriən/","/kraɪˈtɪəriə/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kraɪˈtɪriən/","/kraɪˈtɪriə/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmeʒə(r)/","/ˈmeʒəz/","/ˈmeʒəd/","/ˈmeʒərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmeʒər/","/ˈmeʒərz/","/ˈmeʒərd/","/ˈmeʒərɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | A standard or rule used to judge something. | To find out the size, amount, or degree of something. |
| Example | The main criterion for selecting candidates is their experience in the field. | It is important to measure the temperature accurately before conducting the experiment. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | sole, basic, main, range, set, fit, fulfil/fulfill, meet, according to a/the criterion, by a/the criterion, criterion for | accurately, exactly, precisely, be able to, can, be easy to, for, in, easily, effectively, objectively, can, be easy to, be possible to, according to, against, by, a method of measuring something, a way of measuring something |
| Antonyms | exception, deviation | ignore, neglect |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'criteria', which is the plural form., Used as a countable noun, e.g., saying 'a criterions' instead of 'a criterion'., Omitting the correct context, making sentences unclear. | Confused with 'weigh', which is only for weight., Using 'measured' incorrectly as an adjective instead of a verb., Mixing up 'measure' with 'metric' when discussing measurement systems. |
| Usage notes | Used primarily in academic or professional contexts to establish standards. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing evaluations. | Use 'measure' when talking about quantities, sizes, or lengths. It's neutral, so it's appropriate in both casual and formal settings. Avoid using it in very informal contexts where slang might be preferred. |
Frequently asked questions: Criterion vs Measure
What's the difference between Criterion and Measure?
Criterion: A standard or rule used to judge something. Measure: To find out the size, amount, or degree of something.
Which is more formal: Criterion and Measure?
Criterion is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Criterion and Measure?
Measure is the most common in everyday English.
Are Criterion and Measure the same CEFR level?
Criterion: B2, Measure: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Criterion and Measure interchangeably?
Not always. Criterion and Measure are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.