GOODNESS Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

goodness

[ good-nis ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the state or quality of being good.
Antonyms:
moral excellence; virtue.
Synonyms: , ,
kindly feeling; kindness; generosity.
Synonyms: , ,
excellence of quality:
goodness of workmanship.
Synonyms: , ,
the best part of anything; essential property; strength.
a euphemism for God:
Thank goodness!

interjection

Also goodness gracious. (used in expressions of surprise, alarm, etc.):
Goodness, you gave me a start!
Goodness gracious, this article is so badly written!

goodness

/ ˈɡʊ��ɪ�� /

noun

the state or quality of being good
generosity; kindness
moral excellence; piety; virtue

interjection

a euphemism for God
goodness knows!
thank goodness!

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

��·��·��Ǵǻ�·�Ա�� noun

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of goodness¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English ��ō��Ա��; good, -ness

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Idioms and Phrases

for the sake of
god (goodness) knows
honest to god (goodness)
my god (goodness

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Synonym Study

Goodness, morality, virtue refer to qualities of character or conduct that entitle the possessor to approval and esteem. Goodness is the simple word for the general quality recognized in character or conduct: Many could tell of her goodness and kindness. Morality implies conformity to the recognized standards of right conduct: a citizen of the highest morality. Virtue is a rather formal word, and suggests usually goodness that is consciously or steadily maintained, often in spite of temptations or evil influences: of unassailable virtue; firm and of unwavering virtue.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"I trust the goodness of Scottish people and I trust them to take on that fight in the tolerant, liberal society that I think Scotland really is."

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Thank goodness this was at a Starbucks, where several people watched, because I was shocked by his aggressive impulse.

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And, my goodness, it is not an easy time to be leading a western democracy.

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The woman who opened the door seemed genuinely excited to see Taylor: “Loren, oh my goodness!” she said.

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You instilled in me a belief in goodness.

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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