Main Entry:

¹mer·it

Pronunciation:

\ˈmer-ət, ˈme-rət\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

14th century

1 aobsolete : 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 : achievement2: spiritual credit held to be earned by performance of righteous acts and to ensure future benefits3 aplural : the substance of a legal case apart from matters of jurisdiction, procedure, or form b: individual significance or justification

— mer·it·less \-ləs\ adjective