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merit

Pronunciation: /ˈmɛrɪt/
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Definition of merit

noun

[mass noun]
  • the quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward:composers of outstanding merit
  • [count noun] a good feature or point:the relative merits of both approaches have to be considered
  • [count noun] a pass grade in an examination denoting above-average performance: if you expect to pass, why not go for a merit or a distinction?Compare with distinction.
  • (merits) Law the intrinsic rights and wrongs of a case, outside of any other considerations: a plaintiff who has a good arguable case on the merits
  • (merits) Theology good deeds entitling someone to a future reward from God.

verb (merits, meriting, merited)

[with object]
  • deserve or be worthy of (reward, punishment, or attention):the results have been encouraging enough to merit further investigation

Phrases

judge (or consider) something on its merits

assess something solely with regard to its intrinsic quality rather than other external factors: a proposal should be judged on its merits when it comes forward for approval

Origin:

Middle English (originally in the sense 'deserved reward or punishment'): via Old French from Latin meritum 'due reward', from mereri 'earn, deserve'

Spelling rule

Do not double the final consonant when adding endings which begin with a vowel to a word which ends in a vowel plus a consonant if the stress is not at the end of the word (as in target): (merits, meriting, merited).

merit in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of merit in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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(in verse) the continuation of a sentence without a pause …