How to Pronounce “criterion”

American (US)

/kɹaɪˈtɪɹ.i.ən/

British (UK)

/kɹaɪˈtɪə.ɹi.ən/

noun — A standard, test, or requirement by which individual things or people may be compared and judged; a gauge.

Example: criterion of choice, of decision, of selection.

Where the stress falls. “criterion” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /kɹaɪˈtɪɹ.i.ən/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /kɹaɪˈtɪɹ.i.ən/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "criterion" mean?

criterion (noun): A standard, test, or requirement by which individual things or people may be compared and judged; a gauge. For example — criterion of choice, of decision, of selection.

How do you pronounce "criterion" in American vs British English?

American English: /kɹaɪˈtɪɹ.i.ən/. British English: /kɹaɪˈtɪə.ɹi.ən/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "criterion"?

/kɹaɪˈtɪɹ.i.ən/ in American English, /kɹaɪˈtɪə.ɹi.ən/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "criterion"?

“criterion” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /kɹaɪˈtɪɹ.i.ən/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.