Meritoriously Meaning: Definition and Examples

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meritoriously

[mΙ™ΛŒrΙͺtΙ™ΛˆrΙͺΙ™sli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

praise worthy

Meritoriously refers to the manner of being deserving of praise or merit. It indicates actions or qualities that are commendable and notable. This term is often used to emphasize the positive attributes associated with someone's actions or achievements.

Synonyms

commendably, deservedly, worthily.

Examples of usage

  • She meritoriously completed her project ahead of the deadline.
  • The students meritoriously earned high grades through their hard work.
  • He was meritoriously recognized for his outstanding volunteer work.

Interesting Facts

Culture

  • In many cultures, awards like the Nobel Prize recognize individuals who act 'meritoriously', honoring their contributions to humanity.
  • Meritorious actions are often celebrated in literature and folklore, where characters attain rewards for bravery or wisdom.
  • Meritocracy, a political and social system based on merit, emphasizes the importance of actions that deserve recognition.

Psychology

  • Research shows that recognizing merit can have positive effects on motivation and self-esteem.
  • People often feel a sense of fulfillment when their efforts are acknowledged as meritorious, leading to increased happiness.
  • The desire for recognition can drive individuals to pursue excellence in their personal and professional lives.

Education

  • Many educational institutions implement merit-based scholarships to reward students who excel academically or in extracurricular activities.
  • Teachers often use merit-based systems to encourage students to engage and perform well, promoting a culture of excellence.
  • Literature on educational psychology supports the idea that recognizing meritorious behavior in classrooms can enhance student performance.

Philosophy

  • Various philosophical traditions, including utilitarianism and deontology, explore concepts of merit and moral worthiness in human actions.
  • The idea of merit is often linked to ethics, examining how actions are judged as deserving or not based on their outcomes or intentions.
  • Debates continue about how societies define and recognize merit, raising questions about fairness and equality.

Origin of 'meritoriously'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'meritorius', meaning 'worthy' or 'deserving'.
  • The suffix '-ously' indicates that something is done in a particular manner, adding emphasis to the worthiness.
  • The concept of merit has been present in human societies for centuries, often linked to fairness and justice.

The word 'meritoriously' is derived from the root word 'meritorious,' which comes from the Latin word 'meritorius,' meaning 'earning, deserving.' The Latin word itself is based on 'merere,' which means 'to earn' or 'to deserve.' The transformation into English occurred in the 17th century, when 'meritorious' entered the language, and subsequently, the adverbial form 'meritoriously.' This term has been used in various contexts, often related to achievements, qualities of character, or actions that warrant recognition. The prefix 'merit-' highlights the aspect of deservingness attached to the good deeds or qualities being described.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,285, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.