demerit
UK[diːˈmerɪt]US[diːˈmerɪt]
n
A feature or fact deserving of blame or criticism; a fault or disadvantage.
n
A mark given against someone for poor work or bad conduct.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
merit
de
down/away
merit
deserving
Etymology
The word "demerit" is a direct borrowing from the Latin demeritum, meaning "a fault, something deserved negatively," which itself is built from the verb demereri ("to deserve ill"). This verb combines the prefix de- ("down from, away") with mereri ("to earn, deserve"). The core logic is one of reversal: a "merit" is something earned positively, while a "demerit" is a mark or quality that takes away from one's positive standing. This sense of negation or opposition is central to the prefix de-, as seen in words like "devalue" or "degrade." The concept evolved from the literal idea of "deserving ill" to the more institutionalized meaning of a formal penalty mark in academic or disciplinary systems.
Analysis
Structure: de (down/away) + merit (deserving)
- de: A Latin prefix meaning "down from, away, off, completely." In this word, it functions as a negating or reversing prefix.
- merit: From Latin meritum (a service, kindness, benefit, or thing deserved). In this word, it functions as the core noun root meaning "deservingness or excellence."
Examples
The report listed the main demerits of the proposed plan.
He received three demerits for being late to class.
One of the few demerits of the car is its high fuel consumption.