richly merited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "richly merited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is deserved or earned in a significant or abundant way, often in the context of praise or recognition. Example: "Her promotion was richly merited, given her years of hard work and dedication to the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Arts

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Partly on the strength of that chant boom, the group's lovely album "On Yoolis Night" has achieved considerable popularity by early-music standards, and it is richly merited.

The New York Times - Arts

My exasperation with Jeff is checked only by deference to the judgment of the semi-divine Laura, who sees something in him which eludes me — and him, too, on the evidence of his recurrent, richly merited self-deprecation.

The New Yorker

He was playing very well between the lines but when you're a centre-forward and Champions League top scorer you always need goals". This richly merited win banished memories of the 1-0 Anfieldefeatatoto Manchester United and the 2-0 reverse at Southampton.

The Guardian - Sport

In our first winter here, we managed to blow a tyre in the midst of a snowstorm, right under the George Washington Bridge, the neighbourhood which at that time richly merited its reputation as the crack capital of the western world, and with the burned out hulks of what once had been cars ominously decorating the roadside.

The Guardian

The inexplicable success of "Analyze This" and the unlikely, richly merited triumph of "The Sopranos" seem to have illuminated dim light bulbs over the heads of Barry Sonnenfeld and Barry Josephson, the film's producers, and the good people at Touchstone Pictures.

The New York Times

Even when the criticisms were richly merited, the overall effect of the hostility of his parliamentary party was to sanctify him in the eyes of activists who saw him not as the source of their party's tribulations, but the victim of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Even before reaching his new post, Connor accused its Mormon population of disloyalty and warned that those who uttered "treasonable sentiments in this district … must seek a more genial soil, or receive the punishment they so richly merit".

The New York Times

Even if he is not to be graced with the posthumous peerage — Lord Trundle of Brighton — that he so richly merits, his memory should at least be honored by his employers of the time.

The New Yorker

You richly deserve it.

Huffington Post

It left Cao needing to top 73.15 to secure the gold, which he duly achieved to guarantee Laugher a richly-merited silver.

The Guardian - Sport

Young families who were discovering the merits of solidly built and richly textured Victorian-era houses were the most receptive.

University of Pennsylvania

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "richly merited" to emphasize that something is not just deserved, but remarkably so, often due to exceptional effort or circumstances. It adds a layer of intensity and significance to the praise or recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "richly merited" in very casual or informal settings. The phrase has a formal tone and may sound out of place in everyday conversation or relaxed writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "well-deserved" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "richly merited" primarily functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to emphasize the degree to which something is deserved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something isn't just deserved, but remarkably so. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use in contexts ranging from praise for creative work to acknowledgment of well-earned victories.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

16%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "richly merited" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English, denoting something that is highly deserved. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's frequently used to express strong approval, praise, or recognition. While suitable for various contexts, including news, sports, and academia, it's best reserved for formal or semi-formal writing due to its elevated tone. For more casual settings, alternatives like "well-deserved" or "fully earned" might be more appropriate. The prevalence of the phrase in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian further attests to its validity and effectiveness in conveying a sense of well-deserved recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-deserved

Direct synonym emphasizing the deserved nature.

fully earned

Highlights the effort or contribution that justifies the merit.

amply justified

Focuses on the strong reasons or evidence supporting the merit.

thoroughly warranted

Emphasizes that the merit is completely justified and appropriate.

rightly deserved

Similar to "well-deserved" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on justice.

eminently justified

Indicates a high degree of justification or deservingness.

justifiably earned

Combines the concepts of justice and earning.

deservedly won

Implies the receipt of a reward or victory that was earned.

fairly merited

Highlights the fairness of the merit or reward.

completely justified

Highlights that something is entirely justified and without a doubt.

FAQs

What does "richly merited" mean?

The phrase "richly merited" describes something that is highly deserved or warranted, often due to significant effort, quality, or circumstance. It conveys a stronger sense of deservingness than simply saying "deserved".

When should I use "richly merited" instead of "well-deserved"?

Use "richly merited" when you want to emphasize the exceptional degree to which something is deserved. While /s/well-deserved is suitable for most situations, "richly merited" adds a layer of intensity and formality, highlighting the significance of the achievement or quality.

What are some alternatives to "richly merited"?

Alternatives to "richly merited" include "well-deserved", "fully earned", "amply justified", or "thoroughly warranted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "richly merited" suitable for both formal and informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "richly merited" is more appropriate for formal or semi-formal writing. In casual conversation or informal writing, simpler alternatives like "well-deserved" or "fully earned" are often more fitting.