Yardstick - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A yardstick is a measuring tool, typically one yard long, used to measure length. It can also refer to a standard or criterion for evaluating or comparing things.
Definition:
A standard or criterion used for measurement, comparison, or judgment.
Synonyms:
benchmark, standard, measure, gauge, criterion
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
deviation, anomaly, exception
Common Collocations:
measure performance, set a yardstick, apply the yardstick, exceed the yardstick
Derivatives:
yardsticks (plural), yardsticked (rare past tense)
Usage Tips:
Use "yardstick" metaphorically for abstract comparisons like success or quality, not just physical measurements.
Common Phrases:
by any yardstick, the yardstick of success, measure against a yardstick
Etymology:
Originates from "yard" (unit of length) + "stick" (rod), first used metaphorically in the 19th century.
Examples:
- 1. The new policy will be the yardstick for future reforms.
- 2. Her achievements set a high yardstick for others to follow.
- 3. We need a reliable yardstick to evaluate these proposals fairly.
- 4. By any yardstick, his performance was outstanding last season.