Definition

To be deserving of something, often in terms of praise or reward.

Example

The students will be recognized for their hard work as they merit the awards.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think everyone should be recognized for their efforts, don’t you?

Absolutely, it’s important to reward people as they merit it.

Exactly! It really motivates everyone to do their best.

Right? A little acknowledgment goes a long way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A quality or feature that is worthy of praise or approval; it can refer to someone's good qualities or achievements.

Example

The student's hard work and dedication were recognized for their merit during the award ceremony.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new project at work?

Yeah, I heard it has a lot of merit for improving our workflow.

I think that's great! It’s nice to see ideas with real merit being considered.

Definition

To deserve or earn something based on one's qualities or actions.

Example

She merits recognition for her hard work and dedication.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think you really merit that promotion at work.

Thanks! I've been putting in a lot of extra hours lately.

Yeah, your hard work definitely deserves recognition.

Root Explanation

Merit comes from the Latin word "meritum" (meaning earned or deserved), which is derived from "merere" (meaning to earn or deserve). The word "merit" refers to the quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward.

Memory Tip

Think of 'earning' something ('merere') to remember that 'merit' means the quality of being worthy or deserving.

Visually Confused Words