'benchmark' originates from the English word 'bench' and the Old English word 'mearc,' where 'bench' meant 'a long seat' and 'mearc' meant 'boundary or limit.'

'bench' combined with 'mark' to form 'benchmark,' which was used to denote a point of reference for measurements.

Initially, it meant 'a mark on a bench for measurement,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a standard for comparison.'