merits

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of merit. Use this form when talking about more than one good quality or strong point.

   The plan has real merits, even if the timing is bad.

   We listed the merits of each design before voting.

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   The real strengths of something itself, not advantages from politics or how things are done.

   Like judging a cake by its taste, not by who baked it.

   The judges looked at each entry on its merits, ignoring the famous names.

   Her idea won on its merits alone.

   Similarstrengths, advantages, virtues

   Oppositedemerits, weaknesses, drawbacks

   Note
3. 3
   verb

   Third-person singular present of merit. Use this form with he, she, or it.

   The case merits a closer look before any decision.

   Her hard work merits real praise.

   Note
4. 4
   nouncountable

   The real facts and issues of a legal case, not the rules or steps used to handle it.

   Like deciding who really won a game, not arguing about whether the form was filled in right.

   The court threw out the case on a technicality, without ever reaching its merits.

   Both sides asked the judge to rule on the merits instead of the paperwork.

   Similarsubstance

   Note

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