Pronunciation

/ˈmɛrɪt/

Definitions

• Noun: The quality of being particularly good or worthy; the intrinsic value or excellence of something. For example: “The novel gained widespread recognition due to its literary merit.”
• Verb: Earn or deserve (a reward, praise, punishment, etc.) by one’s actions or qualities. For instance: “She merits a promotion for her outstanding performance.”
• Noun: In some educational systems, a system of points or grades awarded for academic achievement. Example: “Students earn merits based on their class participation and exam scores.”

Phrases

• “On merit”: According to one’s abilities or achievements rather than social position, connections, or other factors. E.g., “She was promoted on merit alone.”
• “Meritocracy”: A system in which people are rewarded or advanced according to their ability or achievement.
• “To have merit”: To be worthy or deserving, often in reference to an idea or proposal. E.g., “His proposal has considerable merit.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The scientific discovery had such profound merit that it revolutionized the field.”
• Verb: “His tireless work merited the accolades he received from his peers.”
• Noun (educational context): “Through consistent hard work, she accumulated enough merits to win the scholarship.”

Synonyms

• Worth
• Value
• Meritoriousness
• Virtue
• Quality
• Deservingness
• Excellence
• Justification
• Earning
• Entitlement (in the sense of earning something)