standardisation
standardisation
UK[ˌstandədaɪˈzeɪʃn]US[ˌstændərdəˈzeɪʃn]
n
the process of making things of the same type all have the same basic features and level of quality
Morpheme Breakdown
standard
is
ation
standard
norm
is
verb suffix
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'standardisation' is built upon the noun 'standard', which entered English via Old French from a Germanic root related to standing firm. The addition of the productive suffix '-ise' (from Greek via Latin), which means 'to make or become', created the verb 'to standardise', meaning to bring something into conformity with a fixed model. Finally, the Latinate suffix '-ation' was appended to form the noun denoting the process or result of this action. Thus, the term logically charts a path from a fixed point of reference ('standard'), through the act of aligning with it ('-ise'), to the abstract concept of the process itself ('-ation'), encapsulating the modern industrial and bureaucratic ideal of uniform consistency.
Analysis
Structure: standard (norm) + is (verb suffix) + ation (noun suffix)
- standard: From Old French 'estandart', of Germanic origin, meaning an established measure or model. In this word, it functions as the core root denoting the established norm or criterion.
- is: A verb-forming suffix, from Latin '-izare', from Greek '-izein'. In this word, it transforms the noun 'standard' into the verb stem 'standardise', meaning to make conform to a standard.
- ation: A noun-forming suffix, from Latin '-ationem', indicating an action or process. In this word, it nominalises the verb, turning the action into the process itself.
Examples
The standardisation of parts made mass production possible.
There is a push for greater standardisation in data formats across the industry.
Critics argue that excessive standardisation in education can stifle creativity.