goodwill

or good will

[ good-wil ]

noun

1. friendly disposition; benevolence; kindness.

   Synonyms: friendliness

2. cheerful acquiescence or consent.
3. Commerce. an intangible, saleable asset arising from the reputation of a business and its relations with its customers, distinct from the value of its stock and other tangible assets.

goodwill

/ ˌɡʊdˈwɪl /

noun

1. a feeling of benevolence, approval, and kindly interest
2. modifier resulting from, showing, or designed to show goodwill

   the government sent a goodwill mission to Moscow

   a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF

3. willingness or acquiescence
4. accounting an intangible asset taken into account in assessing the value of an enterprise and reflecting its commercial reputation, customer connections, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of goodwill¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English gōd willa. See good, will ²

Synonym Study

See favor.

Example Sentences

"But the message is a persuasive one: that Christmas comes in many shapes and forms and, ultimately, the only holiday tradition that is non-negotiable is goodwill to all."

From BBC

Political fences can be mended, if there is goodwill on both sides.

From Salon

There's no mistaking the message of goodwill, as a voiceover encourages viewers to "think big", but also asks: "Is it not more Christmassy to give?"

From BBC

The email said "as a gesture of goodwill" it was lifting the ban, but it continued to accuse Mr Daniels of "acting suspiciously" and behaving aggressively.

From BBC

The travel industry consultant, from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, said the airline had repaid her the extra fees as a "gesture of goodwill" while insisting they were correct.

From BBC