benchmark
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈbɛn.tʃmɑːrk/
KK: /ˈbɛnʧmɑrk/
noun
Definition
A standard or point of reference used to measure or judge the quality or performance of something.
Example
The company uses sales figures as a benchmark to evaluate employee performance.
Conversation
Have you heard about the new benchmark for our project?
Yeah, I read about it — it seems pretty challenging!
I think it will really help us improve our results if we meet that benchmark.
Absolutely! It’s a great way to measure our progress.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
standard
criterion
yardstick
Antonyms
exception
anomaly
deviation
verb
Definition
To evaluate or measure something against a standard or reference point to improve performance or quality.
Example
The company decided to benchmark its services against those of its competitors to identify areas for improvement.
Tense Forms
Past: benchmarked
Past Participle: benchmarked
Conversation
Have you ever thought about how we could benchmark our project against others?
Yeah, I think it would really help us see where we stand.
Exactly! We could look at the best practices to improve our results.
Root Explanation
Benchmark → It is formed from "bench" (from Old English "benc", meaning a long seat or table) and "mark" (from Old English "mearc", meaning a boundary or sign). The word "benchmark" refers to a standard or point of reference established on a bench or marked location for measuring performance or quality.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'bench' where measurements are taken and a 'mark' that indicates a standard. This helps you remember that a benchmark is a point of reference for measuring something.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.