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Merited Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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merited

[หˆmerษชtษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

deserving recognition

having qualities or accomplishments that deserve recognition; deserving reward or praise

Synonyms

deserved, earned, justified.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
merited

Use 'merited' to describe something or someone that has received what they are entitled to, typically through effort or quality.

  • His actions merited praise from everyone.
  • The artist's work merited a place in the exhibition.
deserved

Use 'deserved' to indicate that someone or something has rightfully earned a reward or punishment due to their actions or qualities.

  • She deserved the promotion after all her hard work.
  • The team deserved to win the championship.
earned

Use 'earned' when referring to something obtained through effort, skill, or merit. It often implies working for a reward or achievement.

  • He earned his degree through years of study.
  • They earned a reputation for being trustworthy.
justified

Use 'justified' when there is a valid reason or rationale for something, often explaining or defending an action or belief.

  • His fears were fully justified by the evidence.
  • The punishment was justified given the circumstances.

Examples of usage

  • She received a merited promotion for her hard work.
  • His success was merited due to his dedication and talent.
Context #2 | Verb

to deserve or earn something

to deserve or be worthy of something as a result of one's actions or qualities

Synonyms

deserve, earn, justify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
merited

Used when someone or something has officially earned or is rightfully entitled to something, often after a long period or substantial effort.

  • He merited the promotion after years of hard work and dedication.
  • The team's victory was well-merited after a season of consistent performance.
deserve

Typically used to express that someone should rightfully receive something because of their actions, qualities, or efforts. Can be both positive and negative.

  • She deserves a reward for her exceptional achievements.
  • After such rude behavior, he deserves whatever punishment he gets.
earn

Implies that someone has gained something through their hard work or effort. Often used in relation to money, degrees, or respect.

  • He earned a lot of money working overtime.
  • She earned her PhD after years of dedicated research.
justify

Used when someone shows or proves that an action or decision is reasonable, necessary, or right.

  • Can you justify your decision to cancel the meeting?
  • His actions were justified given the circumstances.

Examples of usage

  • She merited the award for her exceptional performance.
  • His actions merited praise from his peers.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Education

  • In academic settings, merited awards are given based on grades or achievements, acknowledging student efforts.
  • Merit-based scholarships provide financial support to students who excel in certain areas, rewarding their skills and hard work.
  • Merit systems in education aim to create motivation for students to achieve more through recognition of their accomplishments.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, the concept of merit is tied to respect; individuals are often honored based on their contributions to society.
  • In Buddhism, 'merit' refers to the good karma earned through good deeds, believed to affect future rebirths.
  • The phrase 'meritocracy' denotes a system where success is based mainly on a person's talents and efforts.

Psychology

  • Research shows that individuals who perceive their achievements as merited tend to have higher self-esteem and motivation.
  • The 'merit principle' influences people's beliefs about fairness, where they expect rewards based on effort and talent.
  • Feeling that one has merited success can lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment in personal and professional life.

Literature

  • Meritocracy is a common theme in literature, exploring the balance between deserved success and privilege.
  • Many authors, such as Charles Dickens, highlight the struggle for merit in societal contexts, emphasizing character over circumstance.
  • The idea that hard work leads to reward is prevalent in fables and moral stories, teaching lessons about effort and deservedness.

Origin of 'merited'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'merited' comes from the Latin 'meritum', which means 'deserved' or 'earned'.
  • It has evolved through Middle English, where it was used to describe a worthiness or a form of reward.
  • 'Merit' is often used in legal terms to indicate something that is not just a guess, but deserved.

The word 'merited' originates from the Latin word 'meritus' meaning 'deserved'. It has been used in the English language since the late 16th century. The concept of deserving recognition or reward has been an integral part of human society throughout history, with individuals being acknowledged for their merited accomplishments and qualities.

See also: meritorious, meritoriousness, unmerited, unmeritedly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,776, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.