merit
English meaning: Merit
Definition
A merit is a grade or reward given for work of good quality. It is usually below a distinction but above a pass.
Example
“He received a merit for his geography project.”
Another example: “The proposal has real merit and deserves serious consideration.”
Usage — When, Where & How
As a noun, the quality of deserving praise, or a mark awarded for good work (between pass and distinction in UK grading); also a good point or advantage ('the merits of the plan'). As a verb, to deserve. Fairly formal register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'meritum' meaning something deserved.
Synonyms
Antonyms / Opposites
- fault
- demerit
Related Words
Common Collocations
- judge on merit
- the merits of
- award a merit
- merit badge
- without merit
Word Forms
merit (n); merits (pl); merit (v); merited; meritorious (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B