1. A level of accepted achievement or quality: Jane dreamed of having a high standard of living if she could ever earn enough money at her job.
2. The guideline used to judge the value or calibre of something: Over the years the standards set for correcting and grading tests in school were revised in order to make it easier for the students to achieve better grades in their subjects.
3. The moral principle which influences one's behavior or point of view: Tim's parents always had high moral standards and ideals and expected them of their children as well.
4. A basis or comparison in measuring the capacity of something: The standards for the amount of ingredients for Lucy's cake were determined by the specified cups and spoons that she used.

The European Union body that recommends standards for adoption by member countries.

A standard, doctrine, theory, or rule that is enforced uniformly without regard to individual differences by violently eliminating all other alternative viewpoints: "When Brock hired new employees for his company, he presented his procrustean rules or procrustean standards which he expected them to follow."

"Syria is just one example of a regime's procrustean tactics designed to completely eliminate any political dissent."