Merit Meaning

UK /ˈmɛrɪt/
US /ˈmɛrɪt/
Word Definition
merit meaning

Merit Definition & Usage

noun

The quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward.

Examples

  • "Her merit as a scientist was recognized with an honorary degree."
  • "The soldiers displayed great merit during the mission and were awarded medals."
  • "His hard work and dedication have earned him the merit of being promoted."
  • "The merit of the proposal lies in its potential to increase efficiency."
  • "She was granted the scholarship based on academic merit."
noun

A good quality or feature that justifies the granting of a reward, or an evaluation.

Examples

  • "The merit of the argument was lost on the audience due to poor delivery."
  • "While his idea had merit, it lacked practical application."
  • "She saw the merit in his suggestion but feared it might not work in practice."
  • "The merit of the new law lies in its ability to reduce waste."
  • "They debated the merits of the new software before making a decision."

Cultural Context

The concept of merit has deep roots in cultures that value individual achievement, particularly in academic, professional, and artistic contexts. It is central to many systems of awards, recognition, and career progression. In some cultures, meritocracy is a foundational principle, where individuals are rewarded and promoted based on their abilities and achievements rather than external factors like social status or connections.

The Merits of Friendship

Story

The Merits of Friendship

In a small, sunlit town, there lived two childhood friends, Clara and James. Both were bright students, excelling in their own right, but Clara had always believed that hard work, not just natural talent, was the true merit of a person. James, on the other hand, felt that talent was a gift that one could never truly earn but simply possess. One summer afternoon, their debate on this matter took a surprising turn.

The Merits of Friendship