Definition

1. Noun:

   • The quality of being good, worthy, or deserving of praise or reward: "Merit" refers to the inherent value or excellence of something or someone, often based on their qualities or actions.
   • A specific good quality or feature: "Merit" can also refer to a particular admirable or praiseworthy aspect of something.

2. Verb:

   • To deserve or be worthy of something: "Merit" means to earn or be entitled to a particular reaction, reward, or treatment based on one's qualities or actions.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The proposal was judged on its own merits. (The proposal was evaluated based on its inherent qualities.)
  • She received a prize for academic merit. (She received a prize for her excellence in academic work.)
  • There is great merit in his argument. (His argument has significant value or strength.)

• Verb:

  • His hard work merits a promotion. (His hard work deserves a promotion.)
  • That serious accusation merits a full investigation. (That serious accusation warrants a complete investigation.)
  • Her performance merited special praise. (Her performance was worthy of special praise.)

Advanced Usage

• "On its (own) merits": Based on the inherent qualities of something, without considering external factors.

  • The application should be considered on its own merits. (The application should be judged based solely on its qualities.)

• "Make a merit of": To present or regard something as a praiseworthy quality, even if it might not be.

  • He tried to make a merit of his stubbornness, calling it "determination." (He attempted to portray his stubbornness as a positive trait.)

Variants and Related Words

• Meritorious (adj): Deserving praise, reward, or esteem.

  • She was recognized for her meritorious service. (She was acknowledged for her praiseworthy service.)

• Meritocracy (n): A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.

  • The company prides itself on being a meritocracy. (The company values a system where people advance based on merit.)

Synonyms

• Noun: Worth, value, excellence, virtue, asset, strength.
• Verb: Deserve, warrant, earn, justify, be entitled to.

Related Phrases

• Merit pay/promotion: Compensation or advancement based on performance rather than seniority.

  • The new system focuses on merit pay for employees. (The new system bases salary on employee performance.)

• Merits of the case (Legal): The intrinsic rights and wrongs of a legal matter, based on evidence and facts.

  • The judge will decide based on the merits of the case. (The judge will rule according to the factual substance of the case.)

Noun

1. the quality of being deserving (e.g., deserving assistance)
   • there were many children whose deservingness he recognized and rewarded
2. any admirable quality or attribute
   • work of great merit

Verb

1. be worthy or deserving
   • You deserve a promotion after all the hard work you have done