goodness

American  

[good-nis] / ˈgʊd nɪs /

noun

1. the state or quality of being good.

   Antonyms:

   evil

2. moral excellence; virtue.

   Synonyms:

   probity, honesty, integrity

3. kindly feeling; kindness; generosity.

   Synonyms:

   humanity, benignity, benevolence

4. excellence of quality.

   goodness of workmanship.

   Synonyms:

   merit, value, worth

5. the best part of anything; essential property; strength.

6. a euphemism for God.

   Thank goodness!

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interjection

1. 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 British  

/ ˈɡʊdnɪs /

noun

1. the state or quality of being good

2. generosity; kindness

3. moral excellence; piety; virtue

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interjection

1. a euphemism for God

   goodness knows!

   thank goodness!

goodness Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing goodness

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

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Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

• supergoodness noun

Etymology

Origin of goodness

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English gōdnes; good, -ness

Related Words

• decency
• friendliness
• generosity
• good will
• grace
• graciousness
• honesty
• integrity
• kindness
• mercy
• morality
• righteousness
• rightness
• superiority
• virtue