essential merit

[ɪˈsɛnʃəl ˈmɛrɪt]
noun phrasepl: essential merits
mérito essencial
1. The fundamental or intrinsic value, quality, or worth of something based on its core characteristics or inherent nature
The essential merit of the proposal lies in its innovative approach to solving the problem.
O mérito essencial da proposta reside em sua abordagem inovadora para resolver o problema.
2. The primary or most important basis for evaluation, judgment, or consideration of a matter
We should focus on the essential merit of the argument rather than its presentation.
Devemos focar no mérito essencial do argumento em vez de sua apresentação.
3. The intrinsic worthiness or deservingness of recognition, reward, or consideration
Her work has essential merit that deserves to be acknowledged by the scientific community.
Seu trabalho possui mérito essencial que merece ser reconhecido pela comunidade científica.
This phrase is commonly used in legal, academic, and professional contexts in both Brazil and Portugal to denote rigorous, substance-based evaluation. In American English-speaking contexts, it emphasizes evaluation based on objective quality rather than appearance or circumstance. The term reflects a value placed on substantive assessment in formal discourse.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
intrinsic valuecore worthfundamental qualityinherent meritsubstantive value
Antonyms / Antônimos
superficial meritapparent meritextrinsic valuesurface value

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mérito essencial
standard formal usage in academic and professional contexts
Rio de Janeiro
mérito essencial
used in legal and administrative contexts with emphasis on substance
São Paulo
mérito essencial
common in business and corporate evaluations
Portugal
mérito essencial
formal usage similar to Brazil, prevalent in legal proceedings and academic discourse

Related Words

meritworthvaluequalityessencevirtueworthiness

Related Idioms & Phrases

judge on essential merit alone
the essential merit of the matter
regardless of essential merit
on its essential merit
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