B1noun1K

Standard

UK /["/ˈstændəd/"]/US /["/ˈstændərd/"]/

Definition

a level of quality, especially one that people think is acceptable

In simple words: The usual or accepted level of something.

Examples

  • The new model was built to meet industry standards.
  • He has set a high standard for his employees to follow.
  • For testing, we used a standard reference material to compare the results.
  • The standard of living has improved over the past decade.
  • You can expect standard features in all models of the car.

Usage notes

Use 'standard' in contexts discussing quality or rules. It's appropriate in both academic and casual settings, but be careful with informal usages that might imply something is outdated.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'standard' as the 'stand' everyone agrees to follow.

Collocations

  • high
  • low
  • poor
  • have
  • boast
  • enjoy
  • above (the) standard
  • below (the) standard
  • according to a/​the standard
  • by any standard
  • by the standards of the day
  • a drop in the standard
  • high
  • low
  • poor
  • have
  • boast
  • enjoy
  • above (the) standard
  • below (the) standard
  • according to a/​the standard
  • by any standard
  • by the standards of the day
  • a drop in the standard
  • declining
  • falling
  • double
  • prescribe
  • keep up
  • maintain
  • drop
  • fall
  • standards of behaviour/​behavior
  • standards of conduct
  • standard of care

Synonyms

  • norm
  • criterion
  • benchmark
  • gauge
  • ideal

Antonyms

  • exception
  • anomaly
  • deviation

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'standard' with 'standards' (plural)
  • Using 'standard' as a verb incorrectly
  • Misplacing the emphasis in pronunciation