Demerit: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin term 'demerere', which means to earn through bad actions.
• It was first used in English in the early 19th century, originally referring to points taken from someone's total.
• The prefix 'de-' implies 'removal' or 'opposite', hinting at lost merit.

Education

• Many schools use a demerit system to discourage bad behavior, where students accumulate points for infractions.
• This system can often affect a student’s grade or standing in extracurricular activities.
• Some educational institutions balance demerits with merits to motivate good behavior and performance.

Psychology

• Receiving demerits can impact a person's self-esteem and motivation, highlighting the psychological implications of punishment.
• Behavioral theories often suggest that demerit systems, while effective in some cases, can also lead to resentment and disengagement.
• Research indicates that positive reinforcement often leads to better long-term behavioral changes than punitive measures like demerits.

Workplace Culture

• In some workplaces, a similar concept exists where employees receive 'demerits' for not meeting performance standards.
• Employers often view these marks as necessary for accountability, but they can also create a negative work environment.
• Some organizations choose to focus on rewards rather than penalties, believing this fosters a more positive culture.

Literature

• Demerit systems or similar concepts often appear in dystopian literature to illustrate a controlling society.
• In character development, stories may underscore the journey of redemption from negative marks to rehabilitation.
• Literary analyses sometimes critique the concept of demerits as a reflection of societal values around punishment and behavior.

At rank #28,588, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 28585 universalist
• 28586 crock
• 28587 fractionally
• 28588 demerit
• 28589 stamen
• 28590 irreparably
• 28591 counterbalancing
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