Merit
/ˈmɛrɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe quality of being good and deserving praise or reward.
/ˈmɛrɪt/
The quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward.
The company rewards employees based on their merit.
💡 Simply: Merit is like getting a gold star! It's what you deserve because you've done a good job, like acing a test or being super helpful. It's about showing you're valuable!
👶 For kids: Being good and doing a good job that deserves a prize!
More Examples
The proposal was approved on its own merits.
He was promoted due to his merit and dedication to the company.
How It's Used
"Students are assessed on the merit of their essays."
"Promotions are based on merit and performance."
To deserve or be worthy of something such as praise, reward, or consideration.
/ˈmɛrɪt/
Deserve or be worthy of (praise, reward, or attention).
The project merited special recognition.
💡 Simply: To merit something is like earning a prize! If a movie is awesome, it merits a good review. It's the action of *deserving* something good.
👶 For kids: To deserve something good because you were good!
More Examples
Her bravery merited a medal.
The new policy does not merit approval at this time.
How It's Used
"The case does not merit further investigation."
"This idea merits consideration."
Idioms & expressions
on its merits
Based solely on the inherent qualities of something.
"The decision was made on its merits, without regard to external factors."
From Latin *meritum*, meaning 'a deserved reward or punishment'.
The word 'merit' has been used since the 13th century, initially referring to the quality of something, particularly in relation to good deeds and deserving of reward.
Memory tip
Think of 'merit' as something you earn through hard work and good deeds.
Word Origin
"desert, worth, value"