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Demerit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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demerit

[dɪˈmɛrɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

negative consequence

A demerit is a mark or indication of fault or failure, often used in disciplinary contexts to indicate a reduction in standing or grade. It can reflect poor behavior or an infraction of rules.

Synonyms

blemish, infraction, mark, penalty.

Examples of usage

  • He received a demerit for missing class.
  • The student was given a demerit for being late.
  • The club had a system of demerits for its members.
  • Her demerits affected her overall GPA.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'demerit'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The term 'demerit' originated from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'down from' or 'away from' and 'merit,' which comes from the Latin 'meritum,' meaning 'to earn' or 'deserve.' As such, a demerit denotes a failure to earn merit. The word began to be utilized in English in the early 19th century, often in educational and military environments to denote a negative mark against a student's or soldier's record. In those contexts, a demerit serves as a formal acknowledgment of a transgression or failure to meet established standards. Over time, the concept of demerits has expanded into other areas, including workplaces and organizations, where it may be used to monitor behavior and performance.

Word Frequency Rank

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