The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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merit

noun

/ˈmɛr ɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of merit

The quality or worth of something or someone, based on their abilities, achievements, or intrinsic value.
"The hiring manager emphasized the importance of evaluating job applicants solely on their merit and qualifications."

Detailed meaning of merit

It represents the recognition or deservingness of praise, reward, or consideration due to the positive attributes, skills, or actions displayed. Merit is often associated with qualities such as talent, competence, intelligence, or exceptional performance. It serves as a basis for evaluation, selection, or judgment, particularly in contexts such as academic admissions, job applications, or awards. Merit emphasizes the notion of fairness and equal opportunity, as it implies that individuals should be rewarded or recognized based on their actual abilities and accomplishments rather than on arbitrary factors. Assessing something or someone on their merit implies a focus on objective criteria rather than personal biases or external factors. Ultimately, merit highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing individual contributions, talents, and efforts in various aspects of life.

Example sentences containing merit

1. The scholarship was awarded based on academic merit and demonstrated achievements.
2. The jury carefully evaluated each artwork on its artistic merit before selecting the winner.
3. The employee received a promotion for their outstanding performance and merit in the workplace.
4. The admissions committee considered both test scores and extracurricular activities as indicators of merit.
5. The team leader recognized and praised the employee's merit for their innovative ideas.
6. The film's success was attributed to its strong storyline and the merit of the talented actors.

History and etymology of merit

The noun 'merit' originates from the Latin word 'meritus,' which is the past participle of the verb 'merere,' meaning 'to earn' or 'to deserve.' In its early usage, 'merit' was closely associated with the idea of earning something through one's actions or qualities. Over time, it evolved to represent the quality or worth of something or someone based on their abilities, achievements, or intrinsic value. The etymology of 'merit' reflects the fundamental concept that merit is something earned or deserved, emphasizing the idea that recognition or value is accorded to individuals or things based on their actions, qualities, or contributions.

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Further usage examples of merit

1. The judge's decision was based on the legal merit of the arguments presented in court.
2. The scholarship program aimed to provide equal opportunities for students regardless of their financial status, focusing on academic merit instead.
3. The merit of the research paper was acknowledged by its publication in a prestigious scientific journal.
4. The teacher encouraged students to participate actively in class discussions to showcase their knowledge and intellectual merit.
5. The athlete's dedication and skill earned them a position on the national team based on their merit.
6. The merit of her research earned her a prestigious award.
7. His promotion was based on his exceptional merit at work.
8. We should evaluate candidates based on their merit, not connections.
9. The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic merit.
10. The film's merit lies in its powerful storytelling and performances.
11. Meritocracy values individuals' success based on their abilities.
12. Recognizing talent and merit is essential for a fair society.
13. The project's success is a testament to its inherent merit.
14. Her leadership skills are of undeniable merit to the team.
15. A fair selection process should consider both skill and merit.
16. The judge ruled in favor of the case's legal merit.
17. We should always strive to reward merit over favoritism.
18. The artist's work is renowned for its artistic merit.
19. In a merit-based system, hard work is rewarded.
20. The merit of his argument convinced the audience.
21. Let's discuss the merit of this proposal at the meeting.
22. The product's quality is a testament to its merit.
23. They were chosen for their merit, not their connections.
24. The decision was made solely on the merit of the evidence.
25. A society that values merit fosters innovation and progress.