set a standard of comparison
verb
- a criterion or benchmark used to evaluate or measure the quality, performance, or characteristics of something, against which other similar items can be assessed.
The athlete aimed to set a standard of comparison for future competitors by breaking the long-standing world record.
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Discussion
2 comments
The phrase ‘set a standard of comparison‘ does not have a single, distinct etymology as it is a combination of common words used together in a specific context. However, the term ‘standard‘ in this phrase has a noteworthy etymology.
The word ‘standard‘ originates from the Old French word ‘estandard,‘ which means a flag or banner, derived from ‘estendre,‘ meaning to extend or spread out. The root can be traced back to the Latin ‘extendere,‘ which means to stretch out. Over time, ‘standard‘ evolved to signify a level of quality or attainment that is used for comparison or measurement.
The term ‘comparison‘ comes from the Latin ‘comparatio,‘ which is formed from ‘com-‘ (meaning together) and ‘parare‘ (to prepare or make equal). This word indicates the act of comparing things or assessing similarities and differences.
Thus, while the phrase as a whole is not a single term with a singular etymology, it reflects the evolution of its component words within the context of measurement and evaluation.
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