What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
criterion
Example
The main criterion for admission to the university is a high GPA. [criterion: noun]
Example
The company has established strict criteria for selecting new employees. [criteria: plural noun]
norm
Example
In many cultures, it is the norm to remove your shoes before entering someone's home. [norm: noun]
Example
The company's dress code reflects the norms of professionalism and respectability. [norms: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Norm is more commonly used than criterion in everyday language. Norm is a versatile word that can be applied to a wide range of contexts, while criterion is more specialized and tends to be used in academic or professional settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between criterion and norm?
Criterion is generally considered to be a more formal word than norm. It is often used in academic or professional contexts where precision and specificity are important. On the other hand, norm is a more informal word that is often used in social or cultural contexts to describe typical or expected behavior.
