merit
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1mer·it
noun \ˈmer-ət, ˈme-rət\Definition of MERIT
1
a obsolete : reward or punishment due b : the qualities or actions that constitute the basis of one's deserts c : a praiseworthy quality : virtue d : character or conduct deserving reward, honor, or esteem; also : achievement
2
: spiritual credit held to be earned by performance of righteous acts and to ensure future benefits
3
a plural : the substance of a legal case apart from matters of jurisdiction, procedure, or form b : individual significance or justification
— mer·it·less \-ləs\ adjective
See Examples of MERIT
- She saw merit in both of the arguments.
- The study has no scientific merit.
Origin of MERIT
Middle English, from Anglo-French merite, from Latin meritum, from neuter of meritus, past participle of merēre to deserve, earn; akin to Greek meiresthai to receive as one's portion, meros part
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to MERIT
- Synonyms
- cardinal virtue, distinction, excellency, grace, excellence, value, virtue
- Antonyms
- deficiency, demerit, disvalue
2merit
verbDefinition of MERIT
transitive verb
: to be worthy of or entitled or liable to : earn
intransitive verb
1
obsolete : to be entitled to reward or honor
2
: deserve
Examples of MERIT
- Both ideas merit further consideration.
- These issues merit special attention.
- His good work merits a raise.
- She did well enough to merit a second interview.
- The attention she received was not merited.
First Known Use of MERIT
1526
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All Words Near: merit
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All Words Near: merit
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