merit
noun
mer·it
| \ ˈmer-ət
, ˈme-rət\
, ˈme-rət\
Definition of merit
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
obsolete
: reward or punishment due
b
: the qualities or actions that constitute the basis of one's deserts
Opinions of his merit vary.
c
: a praiseworthy quality : virtue
but originality, as it is one of the highest, is also one of the rarest, of merits— E. A. Poe
d
: character or conduct deserving reward, honor, or esteem
also
: achievement
composed a number of works of merit — H. E. Starr
2
: spiritual credit held to be earned by performance of righteous acts and to ensure future benefits
the Crusades … did serve the desire to gain spiritual merit— Jacques Barzun
3a
merits plural
: the substance of a legal case apart from matters of jurisdiction, procedure, or form
the plaintiff … is entitled to have its claim decided here on its merits— T. M. Maddes
b
: individual significance or justification (see justification sense 1)
the contention is without merit— E. B. Denny