mérite

Mérite is a French noun that denotes the quality of being worthy of attention, praise, or reward, or the value of something earned through actions. It is used to indicate that a person or achievement deserves consideration or recognition. The related verb is mériter, to deserve.

Mérite derives from Latin meritus, past participle of mereri, meaning earned or deserved, through Old French. The word is cognate with the English "merit."

In moral, legal, and social discourse, the term covers several senses. It may refer to the intrinsic value of a person’s actions, the justification for a reward, or the grounds on which a decision is made "sur le mérite." In education and employment, merit often underpins selection, advancement, or pay, giving rise to expressions such as mérité scolaire or mérite professionnel.

In political philosophy and policy, merit underpins the idea of a meritocratic system, where offices and rewards are allocated on ability and achievement rather than birth or status. Critics argue that merit is conditionally defined and depends on equal opportunity and fair measurement, which are not guaranteed in practice.

France maintains a formal honor bearing the word: the Ordre national du Mérite, established in 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle to recognize distinguished civil and military service. The order comprises five grades: Chevalier, Officier, Commandeur, Grand Officier, and Grand Croix.