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merit

Definition

noun: a good quality or feature that deserves to be praised
noun: reward or punishment due
verb: to deserve (something, such as attention or good treatment) by being important or good
verb: to be worthy of or entitled or liable to
usually plural
synonyms: earn, desert, worth

Examples

The five contestants will be judged 'on their own merits'. [=they will be judged by looking at their skills and their good and bad qualities]
Hiring decisions are based entirely 'on merit'. [=people are hired because they have the skills to do the job well]
We should consider each idea 'on its merits'. [=we should consider the good and bad things about each idea]

Movie clips

Movie quotes

(..) little princess. Unlike you, I do not have exalted ancestors. I make my living by trade. And I judge every trade on its merits. You ask for ships. You say I shall be repaid triple. I do not doubt your honesty or your intentions. (..)
2012 TvShow: Game of Thrones Title: The Old Gods and the New Season: 2 Episode 6