Merits
/ˈmɛrɪts/
nounverbB2plural (for noun), third person singular present (for verb)
Definition
As a noun, "merits" means the positive points, good qualities, or advantages that make something valuable or worthy. As a verb, "merits" means to deserve or earn something because of good qualities or actions.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Noun: Good qualities or advantages of something
- •The merits of the new plan include saving time and money.
- •We discussed the merits and drawbacks of each proposal.
- •Her merits as a leader are clear to everyone.
Verb: To deserve or be worthy of something
- •This idea merits further study.
- •His hard work merits recognition.
- •The project merits support from the community.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "merits" like "good points" or "advantages" (A1 words), but used when deciding if something is worth attention or reward.
- ✓Picture a scale balancing good qualities on one side to decide if something is valuable.
- ✓It's the feeling when you know someone worked hard and deserves praise or a reward.
- ✓Sounds like "mer-it-s" → imagine a medal (merit medal) given for good work or success.
- ✓Think of school awards: students get medals for their merits, meaning their good work.
- ✓NOT like "faults" (bad points); "merits" are the positive reasons to choose or like something.
- ✓NOT like "luck" (random chance); merits come from real good qualities or efforts.
- ✓NOT like "reward" (the prize itself); merits are the reasons or qualities that make the reward deserved.
Try Other Words
- •Value: the importance or usefulness of something (Use when focusing on usefulness rather than qualities)
- •Worth: the level of importance or good qualities something has (Use when emphasizing how much something deserves attention)
- •Deserves: to be worthy of something (Use when "merits" is a verb meaning to earn or be worthy)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "merit" (root) + "s" (plural or verb ending)
- •Etymology: From Latin "meritum," meaning "earned reward" or "deserved service"
- •Historical development: Originally used to mean a good deed or reward earned; evolved to mean good qualities or deserve
- •Modern usage: Used both as noun for good qualities and verb meaning to deserve something
Reflect & Connect
•How do you decide the merits of something when you have to choose between options?
•Can something have merits but still not be the best choice? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks
1.The merits of this solution ___ careful consideration before making a decision.
2.We talked about the merits and ___ of the new policy to understand its effects.
3.Her merits as a team player ___ her a promotion from the manager.
4.This book ___ reading because it offers many useful ideas.
5.When judging a contest, the judges look at the ___ of each participant.
6.Not every idea with merits is ___ for immediate action.
7.The project merits ___ support due to its positive impact on the community.