Criterium vs. Criteria – Which is Correct?

The words criterium and criteria are both valid English terms, but they possess entirely distinct meanings. Criteria refers to standards or principles used for judgment (the plural of criterion), while a criterium is a specific type of bicycle race.

Criterium or Criteria – Which is Correct?

Both “criterium” and “criteria” are correct words in American English, but they are not interchangeable. They refer to completely different concepts. The confusion often arises from their similar sound and spelling, leading some to mistakenly use “criterium” as the singular of “criteria” or vice versa. However, “criterion” is the singular form of “criteria.”

To differentiate, remember that criteria (plural) and criterion (singular) relate to standards, rules, or benchmarks. A criterium, on the other hand, is exclusively a cycling event.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Criterium	Noun	A bicycle race held on a short course, often a closed public road, requiring many laps.	The downtown criterium drew a large crowd of spectators.
Criteria	Noun (Plural)	Principles or standards by which something is judged or decided. (Singular: criterion)	Applicants must meet all the admission criteria to be considered.

How to Use Criterium

The word “criterium” is a noun that specifically refers to a type of bicycle race. These races are characterized by their short, closed circuits, often set up on city streets, and involve multiple laps. The term is primarily used within the context of cycling and sports journalism. It is not used in any other general sense and maintains a very specific, technical meaning.

Example 1: The annual community festival includes a thrilling bike criterium through the historic district.

Example 2: Winning a professional criterium requires not only speed but also excellent bike handling skills.

Example 3: Spectators lined the streets to cheer on the cyclists competing in the evening criterium.

What are the different forms of Criterium?

The word “criterium” is typically used as a singular noun. Its plural form is “criteriums.”

• Singular: criterium
• Plural: criteriums (e.g., “Several criteriums are scheduled for the cycling season.”)

Etymology of the word Criterium

The word “criterium” comes from the French word critérium, which itself is derived from the Latin critérium, meaning “a means for judging.” While the Latin root shares commonality with “criteria,” the French term evolved to specifically denote a competitive event where performance is judged, particularly in cycling.

How to Use Criteria

“Criteria” is a plural noun that refers to the standards, rules, or principles by which something is judged, evaluated, or decided. It is crucial to remember that “criteria” is already plural; its singular form is “criterion.” Using “criteria” as a singular noun (e.g., “a single criteria”) is a common grammatical error. It is used in formal and informal contexts across various fields, including academics, business, and policy-making.

To avoid such pitfalls, understanding the precise distinction between criteria and criterion is paramount for clear communication.

Example 1: The selection committee established strict criteria for awarding the scholarship.

Example 2: Before making a purchase, consider all the essential criteria, such as price, quality, and durability.

Example 3: What are the key performance criteria for success in this role?

What are the different forms of Criteria?

“Criteria” is a plural noun. Its singular form is “criterion.”

• Singular: criterion (e.g., “One important criterion for selection is experience.”)
• Plural: criteria (e.g., “The project must meet several specific criteria.”)

Etymology of the word Criteria

The word “criteria” comes from the Greek word kritērion, meaning “a means for judging, a standard, a test.” This Greek root passed into Latin as critérium and then into English. The pluralization in English retains its original Greek plural form, hence “criterion” for singular and “criteria” for plural.

Related Concepts

Understanding the singular and plural forms of nouns, especially those derived from Greek or Latin, is key to avoiding common grammatical errors. The pair “criterion” (singular) and “criteria” (plural) is a prime example. Other similar pairs include “phenomenon” (singular) and “phenomena” (plural), or “datum” (singular) and “data” (plural). Always ensure that your verb agreement matches the number of your noun; for example, “The criterion is important” versus “The criteria are important.”

Examples from Media and Literature

• “The city hosts an annual bike criterium that draws professional cyclists from around the region.” (News article)
• “To qualify for the advanced program, students must satisfy certain academic criteria.” (Educational handbook)
• “The architect presented several design options, each evaluated against a clear set of aesthetic and functional criteria.” (Architectural journal)
• “He trained rigorously for the upcoming road race and the challenging urban criterium.” (Sports fiction)
• “The final decision was based on three main criteria: feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.” (Business report)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The primary (criterium / criterion / criteria) for success is dedication.
2. The cycling club organized a challenging (criterium / criteria) through the park.
3. All applicants must meet the strict eligibility (criterium / criteria).
4. The race committee decided to add another (criterium / criteria) to the city’s summer events.
5. What are the specific (criterium / criteria) for evaluating the project proposals?

Answer Key

1. criterion
2. criterium
3. criteria
4. criterium
5. criteria

Criterium Synonyms

Synonym / Related Term	Definition
Bike race	A general term for any competition involving bicycles.
Cycling event	A broad term encompassing various organized activities involving bicycles.
Road race	A bicycle race held on public roads, often covering longer distances than a criterium.

Criteria Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Standards	A level of quality or attainment.
Benchmarks	A standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed.
Requirements	A thing that is needed or wanted.
Guidelines	A general rule, principle, or piece of advice.
Measures	A plan or course of action taken to achieve a particular purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “criterium” be used as the singular of “criteria”?
No, “criterium” cannot be used as the singular of “criteria.” The correct singular form is “criterion.” A “criterium” is a specific type of bicycle race, unrelated in meaning to standards or principles.

Question 2: Is “criterias” a correct word?
No, “criterias” is not a correct word. “Criteria” is already the plural form of “criterion,” so adding an “s” to make it “criterias” is grammatically incorrect.

Question 3: How can I remember the difference between “criterium” and “criteria”?
To remember the difference, think of “criteria” as relating to “critical” evaluation or “rules.” For “criterium,” associate it with “cycling race” or “circuit race,” as it’s a specific type of bike event.

Conclusion

While “criterium” and “criteria” sound and look somewhat similar, they are fundamentally different words with distinct meanings and origins. “Criteria” refers to standards for judgment (singular: “criterion”), while a “criterium” is a specific type of bicycle race. Understanding this distinction is crucial for clear and precise communication. Pro Tip: Always double-check the singular and plural forms of Latin and Greek-derived nouns to maintain a professional and credible writing style.