deserve

The French word 'mériter' corresponds to the English word 'deserve.' It is used to express that someone has earned or is worthy of something, often through their actions or character. For example, 'Elle mérite le prix car elle a travaillé dur' translates to 'She deserves the award because she worked hard.' It can be used in various contexts, from recognizing someone's efforts to discussing whether a situation warrants a particular outcome. Understanding the nuances of 'mériter' is important for students to accurately convey the concept of deservingness in French.