1. The quality of being particularly good or worthy of praise; excellence or value
The proposal has considerable merit and deserves consideration.
A proposta tem considerável mérito e merece consideração.
2. A praiseworthy quality or action; an achievement or accomplishment
She earned promotion based on her own merits.
Ela conquistou a promoção baseada em seus próprios méritos.
3. In legal contexts, the substantive issues of a case as opposed to procedural matters
The court decided the case on its merits.
O tribunal decidiu o caso pelo mérito.