Merit
/ˈmɛr.ɪt/noun
A positive quality or trait that earns recognition or reward.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, 'meritum' was used not just for deservingness but also for the divine judgment of souls, linking merit to fate and astrology.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mer-
“to earn, to gain, to deserve.”
Latin
Latin
meritum
“that which is earned or deserved, a reward.”
Old French
Old French
merite
“worth, value, or virtue.”
Middle English
Middle English
merite
“the quality of being deserving or worthy.”
Modern English
English
merit
“a quality deserving of praise or reward.”
Explore more surprising origins