noun / verb
merit
MAIR-it/ˈmerɪt/
Worth that makes someone or something deserving of consideration or a particular response.
The chair's careful workmanship merits praise from the inspecting craftsperson.
Etymology
Latin meritum expressed worth or service and came from a verb meaning “earn” or “deserve.” English merit developed from spiritual credit and reward into the quality that makes someone or something deserving of praise.
In context
the over-representation of men is about merit it's not it's about privilege
More examples
- The proposal has considerable merit.
- She earned the award on merit.
- His unusual suggestion merited further investigation.
Forms
merit · merits · merited · meriting