the quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward, a feature or fact that deserves praise or attention

to merit something, beyond/without merit, to the merit of

on merit, have merit, see merit in

Formal and Informal Expressions of merit

In different contexts, you can replace 'merit' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'excellence, worthiness' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'goodness, value' is a commonplace synonym.

merit: Explore its Definition & Usage

merit Definition

1the quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward
2a feature or fact that deserves praise or attention

Using merit: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "merit" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The proposal has merit and should be considered.
Example
The idea has some merit but needs further development.
Example
The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit.
Example
The film has its merits, but it's not for everyone.

merit Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for merit

Antonyms for merit

Idioms Using merit

to merit something
to deserve or be worthy of something
Example
His hard work and dedication merit a promotion.
beyond/without merit
not deserving of praise or attention
Example
The accusations against him are without merit and should be dismissed.
to the merit of
to the credit or benefit of someone or something
Example
To the merit of the team, they were able to complete the project ahead of schedule.

Phrases with merit

on merit
based on the quality or worth of something
Example
The promotion should be given on merit, not on personal connections.
have merit
to have value or worth
Example
The proposal has merit and should be considered.
see merit in
to recognize the value or worth of something
Example
I can see the merit in your argument, but I still disagree with you.

Origins of merit

from Old French 'merite', from Latin 'meritum', meaning 'something earned or deserved'

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Summary: merit in Brief

The term 'merit' [ˈmɛrɪt] refers to the quality of being particularly good or worthy, often deserving praise or reward. It can also denote a feature or fact that deserves attention. Examples include 'The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit,' and 'The proposal has merit and should be considered.' Idioms like 'to merit something' express deservingness, while 'beyond/without merit' implies undeservingness.