merits
|mer-its|
/ˈmɛrɪts/
(merit)
value or worth
Etymology
'merit' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'meritum', where the root 'merēre' meant 'to earn' or 'to deserve'.
'meritum' passed into Old French as 'merite' and Middle English as 'merit', eventually becoming the modern English word 'merit'.
Initially, it referred to something earned or a reward; over time it evolved to emphasize deservingness or intrinsic worth.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an advantage, positive feature, or good point of something.
The merits of the proposal outweigh the costs.
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Noun 2
the intrinsic worth, quality, or validity of something, often considered when judging it objectively.
The case should be judged on its merits.
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Last updated: 2026/01/17 10:29