merits: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “merits” mean?
The intrinsic good qualities or positive aspects of something or someone that justify value, praise, or reward.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The intrinsic good qualities or positive aspects of something or someone that justify value, praise, or reward.
In legal or formal contexts, the intrinsic rights and wrongs of a case, abstracted from procedural issues. Can also refer to the specific criteria or features on which judgment is based.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. In legal contexts, 'on its merits' is standard in both. British English may show a slightly higher frequency in formal debate contexts.
Connotations
Strongly associated with fairness, objective judgment, and intrinsic value.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, though perhaps more frequent in written, formal, and academic registers.
Grammar
How to Use “merits” in a Sentence
[verb] + the merits + of + [noun phrase] (e.g., debate the merits of)on + [possessive] + (own) meritshave + meritsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “merits” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The committee will merit further discussion next week.
- Such a serious allegation merits a full investigation.
American English
- His performance merits a promotion.
- The idea merits consideration.
adverb
British English
- He was promoted meritocratically (rare, but derived).
American English
- Positions are filled meritocratically (rare).
adjective
British English
- A merit-based scholarship (common compound).
- The merit award ceremony is tomorrow.
American English
- Admission is solely merit-based.
- She received a merit raise at work.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when evaluating proposals, strategies, or candidates based on their objective strengths. 'We will assess each bid purely on its merits.'
Academic
Common in critical analysis, comparing theories or arguments. 'The essay weighed the relative merits of the two historical interpretations.'
Everyday
Discussing the pros and cons of a choice, like a holiday destination or a new phone. 'Let's list the merits and drawbacks of moving house.'
Technical
In law, the substantive rights and wrongs, distinct from procedural matters. 'The court dismissed the case on procedural grounds, without examining the merits.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “merits”
- Using 'merit' (singular) when referring to specific countable qualities. (INCORRECT: 'It has many merit.' CORRECT: 'It has many merits.')
- Confusing 'on its merits' (based on intrinsic quality) with 'for its merit' (which is less idiomatic).
- Overusing in informal speech where 'good points' or 'pros' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Merit' is usually uncountable and refers to the abstract quality of being good or deserving praise. 'Merits' is plural and refers to the specific good qualities, features, or substantive points of something.
Yes, but the verb form is 'merit' (not 'merits' for third person singular). It means 'to deserve or be worthy of (something, especially attention, consideration, or reward).'
It is neutral to formal. It is perfectly standard in professional and academic writing but might sound slightly formal in casual conversation, where 'based on what it's good at' or similar might be used instead.
A common mistake is using the singular 'merit' with plural quantifiers (e.g., 'many merit'). Remember, when listing specific positive aspects, use the plural 'merits'.
The intrinsic good qualities or positive aspects of something or someone that justify value, praise, or reward.
Merits: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛr.ɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmer.əts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on its (own) merits”
- “the merits of the case”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MERITS as ME-Rewarding-Inner-Traits & Strengths.
Conceptual Metaphor
MERITS ARE VALUABLE OBJECTS (to weigh, consider, assess). MERITS ARE A BASIS/FOUNDATION (to judge something on).
Practice
Quiz
In a legal context, what does the phrase 'the merits of the case' specifically refer to?