meritorious
UK: /ˌmerɪˈtɔːriəs/ | US: /ˌmerɪˈtɔːriəs/
adj. deserving reward or praise; commendable
adj. having merit or value
meritorious = merit<deserving> + orious<adjective suffix>
- merit (from Latin meritum "a service, kindness, worth")
- orious (adjective-forming suffix, from Latin -orius, indicating "pertaining to" or "full of")
Etymology Origin:
The word "meritorious" traces back to Latin meritorius ("earning money" or "hired"), derived from meritum ("reward" or "desert"). Over time, it evolved in English to emphasize deserving praise or recognition. The suffix -orious reinforces the adjective form, creating a term that describes actions or qualities worthy of honor.
Her meritorious service to the community earned her a special award.
The soldier received a medal for meritorious conduct in battle.
His research was deemed meritorious by the academic committee.
Only the most meritorious students were granted scholarships.
The judge praised the lawyer’s meritorious efforts in the case.