Which term refers to the ideal by which things can be judged?

The term that refers to the ideal by which things can be judged is "criterion." A criterion is a standard or principle by which something is evaluated or measured. In various contexts, such as academic assessment, quality control, or decision-making, a criterion serves as a benchmark against which various options or outcomes can be compared.

For example, in an educational setting, a teacher might establish specific criteria for grading an essay, including aspects like clarity, argument strength, and grammar. These criteria help ensure that all students are evaluated according to the same standards, making the assessment fair and objective.

In contrast, the other terms do not convey the same meaning. "Crucible" often refers to a severe test or trial, "drench" means to wet thoroughly, and "denote" is to indicate or symbolize something. None of these terms imply a standard for judgment like "criterion" does.