* Noun: This is the most common usage. It refers to a level of quality or attainment, or a set of rules or principles.
* Adjective: This is less common, but it can be used to describe something that meets a particular level of quality or attainment.
* Verb: "To standardize" is a verb meaning to make something conform to a standard. "Standards" can be used as the plural noun form of this verb.
Examples:
* Noun: "The company has high standards for its employees."
* Adjective: "This is a standards-compliant product."
* Verb: "The company standardized its procedures."
To determine the part of speech, you need to consider the context of the sentence.