Meritorious (meh-rih-TOR-ee-us)
Meritorious is an adjective used to describe something that deserves praise, recognition, or reward because of its positive qualities, value, or moral excellence. It refers to actions, achievements, or behavior that are worthy of approval due to effort, fairness, or ethical standards.
The meaning of meritorious centers on worthiness and deserving acknowledgment. When something is described as meritorious, it is considered commendable and valuable, especially in a moral, professional, or academic sense.
Introduction To The Word Meritorious
The word meritorious is commonly used in formal and professional language to highlight actions or qualities that deserve recognition. Understanding the definition of meritorious helps clarify why this word is often associated with awards, achievements, and ethical conduct. The meaning of meritorious goes beyond simple success and focuses on deserving praise because of effort, integrity, or positive impact.
People use meritorious to describe everything from community service to academic performance and workplace achievements. In many situations, the word implies that the subject has met or exceeded a standard of excellence. Knowing how to use meritorious in a sentence can make communication clearer and more refined.
This word has a long history and remains relevant in modern English. Its definition and meaning are tied closely to ideas of fairness, honor, and merit.
Pronunciation And Part Of Speech
Meritorious is pronounced meh-rih-TOR-ee-us. The stress falls on the second syllable, TOR. It is an adjective, meaning it modifies nouns by describing their quality or value.
In grammar, meritorious is used to describe a noun such as an action, effort, decision, or achievement. For example, someone might speak of a meritorious act or a meritorious performance.
The definition of meritorious remains consistent across contexts. It always refers to something worthy of praise or recognition.
Core Definition And Meaning Explained
At its core, the definition of meritorious is simple. It means deserving reward or praise because of good qualities or actions. The meaning emphasizes moral or practical value rather than popularity or appearance.
Meritorious often suggests that the praise is earned, not given casually. For example, a teacher may call a student’s project meritorious because it shows deep understanding and hard work. A judge may refer to a case as meritorious if it has strong legal or ethical grounds.
The meaning of meritorious is tied closely to the word merit, which refers to worth or value. Something that is meritorious has merit and deserves positive attention.
Different Main Definitions Of Meritorious
The word meritorious can be understood in several related but distinct ways. Each reflects a slightly different aspect of its definition and meaning.
Deserving Praise Or Reward
One main definition of meritorious is deserving praise or reward for effort or excellence.
Example:
“Her meritorious service to the community earned her a public award.”
This use focuses on achievement and recognition.
Morally Good Or Virtuous
Another meaning of meritorious relates to moral goodness or ethical behavior.
Example:
“He performed a meritorious act by helping strangers during the emergency.”
Here, the word highlights moral value rather than professional success.
Having Justifiable Or Sound Grounds
In some contexts, meritorious refers to something that is justified or well-founded.
Example:
“The lawyer presented a meritorious argument supported by strong evidence.”
In this case, the definition refers to logical or legal merit.
How Meritorious Is Used In A Sentence
Learning how to use meritorious in a sentence helps clarify its meaning in everyday communication. Below are several example sentences that show different uses of the word.
- “The committee praised her meritorious efforts in organizing the event.”
- “His meritorious behavior earned the respect of his peers.”
- “The judge acknowledged the meritorious nature of the case.”
- “She received an award for her meritorious contributions to science.”
- “Volunteering at the shelter was considered a meritorious act.”
- “The student’s meritorious performance set a new standard.”
- “They honored him for his meritorious service to the organization.”
- “Her research was both innovative and meritorious.”
- “The board recognized the meritorious proposal.”
- “His actions were seen as meritorious by the entire community.”
Each in a sentence example shows how the word fits naturally into formal and semi-formal writing. The meaning remains consistent in every case.
Etymology Of Meritorious
The word meritorious comes from the Latin word “meritorius,” which means deserving or worthy. This Latin term itself comes from “meritum,” meaning merit or value.
As the word entered Middle English through French and Latin influence, its definition remained closely tied to the idea of deserving praise or reward. Over time, the meaning expanded to include moral and professional contexts.
The history of the word shows how deeply it is rooted in ideas of fairness and value. From ancient languages to modern English, meritorious has consistently referred to worthiness.
Historical Development Of The Word
Meritorious has been used in English for centuries, particularly in religious, legal, and academic writing. Early texts used it to describe good deeds and virtuous behavior. Religious writings often spoke of meritorious acts as those that aligned with moral teachings.
In legal contexts, meritorious arguments or claims referred to those that were valid and justified. In education, students were praised for meritorious work when they demonstrated excellence.
The definition and meaning evolved slightly over time, but the central idea remained the same. Something meritorious is worthy of recognition.
Today, the word is still used in formal speeches, awards ceremonies, and professional evaluations.
Meritorious In Modern Usage
In modern English, meritorious is most often used in formal or professional settings. It appears in performance reviews, award descriptions, and official statements.
For example, companies may honor employees for meritorious service. Schools may recognize students for meritorious achievement. Governments may give awards for meritorious conduct.
The meaning in these cases highlights effort, integrity, and positive impact. The word is less common in casual conversation but remains important in serious or official communication.
Understanding the definition of meritorious allows people to use it correctly and effectively.
Synonyms And Related Concepts
While not the same word, several terms share a similar meaning with meritorious. These include deserving, commendable, praiseworthy, and worthy. Each of these reflects part of the definition of meritorious but may lack its formal tone.
Meritorious stands out because it combines moral, practical, and professional value into one word. Its meaning often carries more weight than simpler synonyms.
Common Mistakes And Misunderstandings
One common mistake is using meritorious as a synonym for successful. While success can be meritorious, not all success deserves the label. The definition implies that the achievement is earned through effort or integrity.
Another misunderstanding is using meritorious to describe ordinary tasks. The word should be reserved for actions or achievements that stand out as worthy of praise.
Correct usage depends on understanding its meaning and applying it thoughtfully.
Cultural And Practical Importance
The word meritorious plays an important role in how societies recognize achievement and virtue. Awards, honors, and formal commendations often rely on this concept.
In education, students strive for meritorious performance. In the workplace, employees aim for meritorious service. In communities, volunteers engage in meritorious acts.
The meaning of meritorious connects personal effort with social recognition. It encourages standards of excellence and responsibility.
Additional Information About Meritorious
Meritorious is most often used before a noun, such as meritorious conduct or meritorious achievement. It can also appear after linking verbs, such as “The act was meritorious.”
The word is rarely used in slang or casual speech, which gives it a formal tone. Its definition and meaning remain stable across contexts, making it a reliable descriptive term.
Learning how to use meritorious in a sentence can improve both written and spoken communication.
Conclusion
Meritorious is a powerful and meaningful word that reflects ideas of worth, effort, and moral value. Its definition focuses on deserving praise or reward, while its meaning highlights excellence and integrity. From its Latin roots to its modern usage, meritorious has remained connected to the concept of merit.
Understanding how to use meritorious in a sentence allows speakers and writers to describe achievements and actions with clarity and respect. Whether applied to community service, academic success, or professional conduct, the word continues to play an important role in recognizing what is truly worthy of praise.
FAQ
What Is The Definition Of Meritorious?
The definition of meritorious is deserving praise or reward because of good qualities, effort, or moral value.
What Is The Meaning Of Meritorious In Simple Terms?
The meaning of meritorious in simple terms is worthy of recognition or approval.
How Do You Use Meritorious In A Sentence?
You can use meritorious in a sentence to describe an action or achievement, such as “Her work was meritorious and inspired others.”
Is Meritorious A Positive Word?
Yes, meritorious has a positive meaning and is used to praise or recognize valuable actions or qualities.
Where Is Meritorious Commonly Used?
Meritorious is often used in formal writing, such as awards, legal documents, and professional evaluations.
Do you know the meaning of this phrase? Whether or not