Master confusing words with ease
Meretricious vs. Meritorious
Meretricious
/ˌmerəˈtrɪʃəs/Examples:
The film's special effects were deemed meretricious by critics.His promises were meretricious, lacking any real substance.The building's meretricious facade impressed tourists but not architects.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Meritorious
/ˌmerəˈtɔːriəs/Examples:
Her meritorious actions earned her the community's respect.Recognition was given to him for his meritorious service.The award honors meritorious achievements in science.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Meretricious and Meritorious may sound somewhat similar, but they have very different meanings.
- Remember that meretricious starts with mere, which can help you recall that it refers to something superficial or only seemingly attractive.
- The word meritorious begins with meri, reminiscent of merit or worthiness.
- Associate meretricious with the idea of false attractiveness; it often implies deceit or lack of genuine value.
- Think of meritorious as related to earning merit, signifying genuine worth or excellence.
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