Word: Meritocracy
Definition:
Meritocracy is a system or belief where people are chosen for roles or rewarded based on their abilities and talents rather than their wealth, family background, or social status. In a meritocracy, the idea is that the best and most capable individuals should lead and make decisions.
Usage Instructions:
- Part of Speech: Noun
- Pronunciation: mer-i-TOCK-ruh-see
Example Sentence:
"In a true meritocracy, everyone has an equal chance to succeed based on their hard work and skills."
Advanced Usage:
In discussions about education and employment, "meritocracy" often refers to how fair and just systems are in recognizing talent. For example, one might say, "Many argue that our current education system does not fully support a meritocracy because not all students have the same resources to develop their talents."
Word Variants:
- Meritocratic (adjective): Relating to or characterized by meritocracy.
- Example: "The company has a meritocratic culture where promotions are based on performance." - Meritocrat (noun): A person who believes in or supports meritocracy.
- Example: "As a meritocrat, she advocates for hiring practices that emphasize skills over connections."
Different Meanings:
While "meritocracy" primarily refers to systems based on merit, in some discussions, it can also refer to criticisms of such systems, highlighting that they may not always be fair or accessible to everyone.
Synonyms:
- Talent-based system - Ability-based system - Skill-based hierarchy
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "meritocracy," you might encounter phrases like "climbing the ladder," which refers to advancing in a career or social status, often in a competitive environment where merit is considered.
Conclusion:
Understanding meritocracy is important in discussions about fairness, justice, and opportunities in society.