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

Anyone wanting to take a shower had to rely upon the goodwill of friends with wells to draw from.

From Salon

European officials have largely stated they intend to comply with the ICC's decision, which comes after Germany and France stopped sending military aid to Israel and signals further declining goodwill towards Netanyahu's government.

From Salon

"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