Merit (noun)

1. The quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward.
2. A commendable quality or attribute.
3. A right or claim to recognition or reward.
4. A claim to respect or attention.

Origin:

Middle english: from old french merit, from latin meritum, from mereri "earn, deserve".

Examples:

1. He earned the merit.
2. She has the merit of hard work.
3. He has the merit of being honest.
4. She has the merit of being kind.
5. He has the merit of being a good student.