ENGLISH
REFERENCE

merits

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈmɛɹəts// UK //mˈɛɹɪts// mer·its

n. the good qualities or advantages that something has. When you look at the merits of an idea, you are judging it based on its own value rather than what people say about it.

n. the inherent qualities, worth, or excellence of something, especially when considered as grounds for approval or reward. In legal contexts, refers to the substantive facts and evidence of a case rather than procedural technicalities.


SIMPLE

We should judge each plan on its own merits.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee spent three hours debating the merits of the new proposal before taking a final vote.

COMPLEX

The judge ruled that the case should be decided on its legal merits rather than being dismissed on a minor procedural error.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Usually used in the plural form when referring to the general advantages of a person or plan.

© 2026 English Reference