How to pronounce merit
Say it like MER-ut. Merit has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MER).
- MER
- ut
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Merit pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- utKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of merit
American and British speakers say merit in essentially the same way: /ˈmɛrət/ in the US and /ˈmɛrɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: MER-it.
What does merit mean?
- A claim to commendation or a reward.
- A mark or token of approbation or to recognize excellence.“For her good performance in the examination, her teacher gave her ten merits.”
- Something deserving or worthy of positive recognition or reward.“His reward for his merit was a check for $50.”
- To deserve, to earn.“Her performance merited wild applause.”
- To be deserving or worthy.“They were punished as they merited.”
Where does merit come from?
From Middle English merit, merite (“quality of person’s character or conduct deserving of reward or punishment; such reward or punishment; excellence, worthiness; benefit; right to be rewarded for spiritual service; retribution at doomsday;
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with merit
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of merit.
Questions about saying merit
How do you pronounce merit?
Say MER-ut. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɛrət/. In British English it is /ˈmɛrɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in merit?
Merit has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MER). Broken into parts: MER · ut.
Do Americans and Brits say merit the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmɛrət/ and the British form is /ˈmɛrɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.