merit etymology

Etymology:

• Middle English: merite, from Old French merite, from Latin meritum, neuter past participle of mereri ("to earn, deserve")

Meaning:

• The quality of being good or worthy of esteem, respect, or reward.
• A commendable action or achievement.
• An advantage or benefit.

Origin:

The word "merit" is derived from the Latin word meritum, which is the neuter past participle of the verb mereri, meaning "to earn" or "to deserve." In ancient Latin, meritum referred to a specific act or deed that brought honor or reward. Over time, the meaning of meritum expanded to include any quality or attribute that made a person or thing worthy of esteem or praise.

Evolution of Meaning:

The concept of merit has evolved throughout history:

• Ancient Rome: In the Roman Empire, merit was associated with military achievements, civic service, and personal virtues.
• Medieval Period: During the Middle Ages, merit was tied to religious devotion and good works.
• Renaissance and Enlightenment: The Renaissance and Enlightenment brought a renewed focus on individual merit and the idea that people could earn rewards based on their own abilities and achievements.
• Modern Era: In modern societies, merit is often associated with academic excellence, professional accomplishments, and contributions to the community.

merit relate terms

• merited

  Etymology Merited is derived from the Latin word merere which means to earn or deser

• merit

  Etymology Middle English merite from Old French merite from Latin meritum neuter pa

• demerit

  Etymology Latin demeritum unworthy deed disgrace From de away meritum m

• merit

  Etymology Middle English merite from Old French merite from Latin meritum neuter pa

• meritocracy

  Etymology The term meritocracy is derived from two Latin roots Merere meaning to d

• deserve

  Etymology The word deserve comes from the Old French word deservir which is derived

• virtue

  Etymology Latin virtus Proto Indo European u̯ir meaning man hero Meaning

• worthy

  Etymology Old English weorðig Proto Germanic werþiz Proto Indo European wert

• pretension

  Etymology The word pretension comes from the Latin praetendere meaning to stretch

• desert

  Etymology The word desert comes from the Late Latin word deserere meaning to aband

• valiance

  Etymology Late Latin valentia Latin valens genitive valentis present participle o

• worth

  Etymology Worth originates from the Old English word weorþ or weorþe which mean

• wroth

  Etymology The word wroth is derived from the Old English word wrāþ which means an