goodness
GUUD-nuhs
Goodness (noun) means the quality or state of being good, morally or otherwise. Example: “Many people were moved by the goodness of the stranger who returned the lost wallet.”
noun
1
The quality or state of being good, morally or otherwise.
"Many people were moved by the goodness of the stranger who returned the lost wallet."
"I still believe in the basic goodness of ordinary people, despite everything on the news."
"His goodness showed in how patiently he treated everyone."
2
The nutritious or beneficial part of something.
"Cooking the potatoes in their skins keeps in more of their goodness."
"Wholegrain bread is full of natural goodness that white bread often lacks."
"The soup is packed with the goodness of fresh vegetables."
intj
1
Used as a mild exclamation of surprise (as in "goodness me" or "my goodness").
"My goodness, you have grown so tall since the last time I saw you!"
"Goodness me, what a lovely surprise to find you waiting at the door."
"Goodness, is it that late already?"
How to use goodness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing good, or the wholesome part of something — also a polite stand-in for stronger exclamations.
Common pairings
my goodness
goodness knows
out of the goodness of one's heart
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Word forms
- Plural
- goodnesses
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Many people were moved by the _____ of the stranger who returned the lost wallet.
Etymology
From Old English gōdnes, built from "good" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ness."
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “goodness” mean?
The word “goodness” means the quality or state of being good, morally or otherwise. In plain terms, being good, or the wholesome part of something — also a polite stand-in for stronger exclamations.
How do you pronounce “goodness”?
“Goodness” is pronounced GUUD-nuhs (/ˈɡʊdnəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “goodness” in a sentence?
Here is “goodness” used in a sentence: “His goodness showed in how patiently he treated everyone.”
What is another word for “goodness”?
Words with a similar meaning to “goodness” include beneficence, dogoodery, good, heroism, virtue and virtuousness.
What is the opposite of “goodness”?
The opposite of “goodness” — its antonyms — are atrociousness, badness, corruptness, criminality and depravity.
What part of speech is “goodness”?
Depending on how it is used, “goodness” can be a noun and an intj.
Where does the word “goodness” come from?
The word “goodness” comes from Old English. From Old English gōdnes, built from "good" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ness.".
Is “goodness” a common word?
“Goodness” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "goodness" and "kindness"?
"Kindness" refers specifically to being friendly, generous, and considerate toward others, while "goodness" is broader, covering overall moral virtue and good character. All kindness is goodness, but goodness also includes honesty, fairness, and other virtues.
Why do people say "goodness" as an exclamation?
In expressions like "goodness me!" or "thank goodness," the word acts as a mild, polite substitute for stronger exclamations, often standing in for "God." It conveys surprise, relief, or emphasis without causing offence.
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