goodness (ˈɡʊdnɪs
)
Definitions
noun
- the state or quality of being good
- generosity; kindness
- moral excellence; piety; virtue
exclamation
- a euphemism for God
⇒
goodness knows!
thank goodness!
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry=
virtue,
honour,
merit,
integrity,
morality,
honesty,
righteousness,
probity,
rectitude,
uprightness,
Quotations
"Goodness is easier to recognise than to define"
"Nobody deserves to be praised for his goodness if he has not the power to be wicked. All other goodness is often only weakness and impotence of the will"
"Goodness is not achieved in a vacuum, but in the company of other men, attended by love"
Usage examples
I can't think why; she's quiet enough, goodness knows, not a bit of trouble.
, The Gospel Makers (1994)Perhaps not at all: goodness , in the sense of being a good doctor, may not be a matter of degree at all.
British Medical Journal (2002)Nobody's paying anybody money out of the goodness of his heart.
Toronto Sun (2003)The term'house husband' has even entered the English language, for goodness sake.
Belfast Telegraph (2002)Under God's heaven no other land, Has such wealth and goodness to hand.
, HEAVEN: A Traveller's Guide to the Undiscovered Country (2002)