merit

Pronunciation: /ˈmerɪt/ (IPA), MAIR-it (American)

Origin: Middle English, from Old French merite, from Latin meritum "worthy action, merit, reward," from merere "to earn, deserve"

Meanings:

1. (noun) The quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward
2. (noun) A good feature or point of something
3. (verb) To deserve or be worthy of

Example Sentences:

1. Her proposal has considerable merit and should be seriously considered.
2. The judge will decide the case based on its legal merits.
3. His actions merit our respect and admiration.

Related Words:

• Different forms: merits (plural noun), merited (past tense), meriting (present participle)
• Synonyms: worth, value, excellence, virtue, deservingness

Memorizable Tricks:

• Think of "merit" as "ME-Right" – when you do something right, you earn merit.
• Associate "merit" with "earn it" – you have to earn merit through your actions or qualities.
• Remember the phrase "merit badge" from scouting, where merits are earned and visibly displayed.