Standard
Definition and Meaning
Something that others of a similar type are compared to or measured by, or the expected level of quality:
This piece of work is above standard.
A moral rule that should be obeyed:
Most people agree that there are standards (of behaviour) that need to be upheld.
A pattern or model that is generally accepted:
MP3 is a recognized global standard for audio encoding.
A flag, especially a long, narrow one ending with two long points:
The royal standard.
Usual rather than special, especially when thought of as being correct or acceptable:
Standard procedure, standard English.
Following a particular set of rules or measurements, without any changes or added details:
Standard contract/letter/reply.
Etymology
The term “standard” first emerged in the mid-12th century, referring to a distinctive flag or conspicuous object displayed during battles as a rallying point for military forces. It originates from a shortened form of the Old French “estandart” (also Anglo-French “standard”), meaning “military standard” or “banner”, and partly from the Medieval Latin “standardum”.
According to linguists such as Barnhart and Watkins, the word likely derives from the Frankish term “standhard”, which means “stand firm”. This compound combines two unrecorded Frankish elements: one related to the verb “standan” (“to stand”) and the other to the adjective “hard” (“hard”, “firm”). The name reflects the function of the flag, which was fixed to a pole or spear and planted in the ground to remain upright and serve as a steadfast symbol.
An alternative theory, favored by sources such as the Oxford English Dictionary, suggests that the word derives from “estendre” (Old French for “to stretch out”), which originates from the Latin “extendere” (“to extend”).
Contexts
The Roman eagle standard, a sacred symbol of the Roman legions.
The International System of Units (SI) / Metric System (meter, kilogram, second).
Standard deviation: A key statistical concept to measure variability in data.
Standards for road signs and building codes enhance global functionality and safety.
Standards of politeness, dress codes, and etiquette that vary across cultures but regulate social interactions.
Internet Protocols: Standards like HTTP and TCP/IP ensure the internet works seamlessly across devices and regions.
File Formats: Standards like PDF or JPEG enable cross-platform sharing of documents and images.
The World Without Standards
Chaos and Inconsistency:
- Measurement: Imagine building a house where every builder uses a different unit of measurement.
- Technology: Devices would be incompatible, as each manufacturer might create proprietary systems.
- Societal norms: Without shared rules, there could be confusion in communication, traffic, or behavior.
Creativity and Freedom:
The absence of standards might inspire innovation and unique solutions. As an example, art movements thrive by rejecting traditional standards of beauty and logic.
Derivative Forms
The process of creating and implementing standards to ensure uniformity and consistency.
Example: The metric system's development as a global standard for measurement.
Made to conform to a standard; uniform.
Interesting Observations:
- Standardization can lead to equity in access but also fails to accommodate diversity.
- Many industries use the phrase “standardized approach” to mean efficiency but risk losing customization.
Example: standardized tests like SATs, standardized medical procedures.
The highest standard; a benchmark of excellence.
Example: gold standard for currency valuation, The Golden Arches have long been the “gold standard” of fast food.
A rule or principle applied inconsistently, often unfairly.
Example: Colonial powers applying one standard for themselves and another for colonies.
Something basic, plain, or unexceptional; the most standard version of a product, concept, or idea, often with a slightly dismissive tone.
Example: A “bog standard car” refers to a base model without additional upgrades or luxury features.
Fun Facts
- The Oxford English Dictionary lists 72 distinct meanings for "standard", 21 of which are labelled obsolete.
- There are about 200 occurrences of the word “standard” per million words in modern written English.
Opinions
"The concept of 'standard' is a set of criteria meant for fundamental guidance in the applicability of any field."
"Something you know exactly what it is and can use as a benchmark."
"Boundaries and expectations that you set according to who you are as a person as well as your education and environment."
"The most basic of criteria that everyone should be able to understand and apply."