Definition:
The word "merit" is a noun that means the quality of being deserving of something, such as praise, reward, or assistance. It can also refer to an admirable quality or attribute in someone or something.
In more advanced contexts, "merit" can be used in discussions about ethics, philosophy, or law, where the concept of deservingness is crucial. For example, in a debate about social justice, one might argue that people should receive help based on their merit rather than their background.
While "merit" primarily refers to deserving qualities or attributes, in legal terms, it can also refer to the intrinsic rights and wrongs of a case, independent of external factors.
While "merit" itself does not have common phrasal verbs associated with it, you might encounter phrases like "to merit attention" or "to merit consideration," which mean that something is deserving of attention or consideration.
Understanding "merit" is important because it helps you express the idea of deservingness. Use it to talk about rewards, qualities, and systems that value hard work and talent.