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 look and sound similar, but their meanings are quite different.
- Meretricious refers to something that is attractive on the outside but lacks real value or integrity.
- Meritorious implies being worthy of praise or reward due to quality or achievement.
- Remember meretricious with trick to recall its deceptive allure.
- Remember meritorious with the root merit, as the word pertains to deserving praise or honor.
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