meritorious

/ˌmɛrɪˈtɔːriəs/

Syllables mer·i·to·ri·ous

Stress mer-i-TO-ri-ous

Phonics Breakdown

mer

/mɛr/

r-colored

i

/ɪ/

short i

tor

/tɔːr/

long or

ious

/iəs/

schwa

Meaning

deserving praise or reward because of good work or moral excellence

Sound Reference

💡

mer=/mɛr/(merry) + i=/ɪ/(sit) + tor=/tɔːr/(torn) + ious=/iəs/(curious)

Example

She received an award for her meritorious service.