standard
gb/stˈændɚd/ us/stˈændɚd/
A2
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
accepted quality level or rule
An accepted level of quality or rule that people use to compare things.
Usage pattern:
meet/maintain/set [a/the] standard
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'standard' with 'average'; 'standard' refers to an accepted quality level, not the statistical middle value.
Synonyms
benchmark (Often used in business or technical contexts to mean a point of reference for measurement.)
Antonyms
exception (Something that does not follow the usual rule or accepted quality level.)
Collocations
high standard
|industry standard
|set a standard
|meet the standard
|fall below standard
Themes
business
|education
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The hotel maintains a high standard of cleanliness.
- This safety standard is required by law.
- Her work set a new standard for excellence.
- The product failed to meet the industry standard.
Learner examples
- This school has a high standard of teaching.
- We must meet the safety standard.
- He set a new standard in art.
- The food is not up to standard.
adjective
A2
property
2
normal or usual type
Normal and usual; not special.
Usage pattern:
[a/the] standard [noun]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'standard' with 'basic'; 'basic' can mean simple or minimal, while 'standard' means normal or expected.
Synonyms
regular (Informal synonym implying common or normal, without special features.)
Antonyms
special (Something different from the normal or usual type.)
Collocations
standard procedure
|standard size
|standard form
|standard practice
Themes
daily life
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We followed the standard procedure for repairs.
- This model comes with the standard features.
- The document should be typed in standard format.
Learner examples
- We use the standard method here.
- This is the standard size for clothes.
- Follow the standard rules.
Noun
B2
entity
3
flag representing a group or army
A flag that shows the symbol of a group, especially an army.
Synonyms
banner (General term for a flag used as a symbol.)
Collocations
military standard
|royal standard
Themes
history
|military
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The soldiers marched under the king's standard.
- The royal standard was raised above the castle.
- They fought to defend their standard.
Learner examples
- The army carried its standard into battle.
- The king's standard was on the tower.
- They lost their standard in the war.
Grammar
Dictionary form
standard
IPA
GB/stˈændɚd/
US/stˈændɚd/
Syllables & stress
stand - ard (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (stand)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: standard
Noun
- Base: standard
- Plural: standards
Word family
Forms
standards
noun
Related words
standardize
verb B2
standardization
noun C1
Negative and opposite forms
nonstandard
adjective
substandard
adjective
Expressions
fall below standard
2/fˈɔl bɪlˈoʊ stˈændɚd/
fixed phrase
fail to meet required quality level
To not be as good as is needed or expected.
Examples
- His latest project fell below standard.
- The service here falls below standard.
set the standard
3/sˈɛt ðə stˈændɚd/
fixed phrase
establish quality level for others
To be so good that other people try to be as good as you.
Examples
- Her performance set the standard for future competitions.
- This company has set the standard in customer service.
up to standard
1/ˈʌp tə stˈændɚd/
fixed phrase
meeting required quality level
Good enough to meet the required level of quality.
Examples
- The food was not up to standard.
- Your work is finally up to standard.