goodness

good-ness · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The quality of being morally good or virtuous.

  2. 2.

    The quality of being beneficial or kind.

  3. 3.

    The nutritious or beneficial element of something.

  4. 4.

    Used to express surprise, alarm, or emphasis (euphemism for "God").

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    my goodness — Expression of surprise.
  • •
    goodness gracious — Expression of astonishment.
  • •
    for goodness' sake — Expression of exasperation.
  • •
    thank goodness — Expression of relief.
  • •
    out of the goodness of one's heart — From kindness alone.
  • •
    goodness knows — Expression meaning "who knows."

Related words

Antonyms: badness, evil, wickedness
See also: good, kindness, virtue
Synonyms: benevolence, kindness, righteousness, virtue

Etymology

From Old English godnes, from god ("good") + -nes ("-ness").