goodness

[ good-nis ]

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!

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

/ ˈɡʊdnɪs /

noun

1. the state or quality of being good
2. generosity; kindness
3. moral excellence; piety; virtue

interjection

1. a euphemism for God

   goodness knows!

   thank goodness!

Other Words From

• su·per·good·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of goodness¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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

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.

Example Sentences

“She had written horrible things during the entire trial. She’s dead now, thank goodness, and nobody has to put up with that c**p she was writing all the time.”

From Salon

She goes for walks on Laurel Canyon Boulevard, for goodness’ sake.

From Los Angeles Times

"My goodness am I grateful for them doing that," he said.

From BBC

Women understand they cannot depend on men's goodness to protect us.

From Salon

That helps us to see ourselves as containing unalloyed goodness, purity and virtue.

From Salon

Related Words

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