noun
goodness
The quality of being good, kind, or beneficial.
Her goodness shows in the patient care she gives others.
Etymology
The state-noun ending names the quality of being good. It can refer to moral kindness or to the beneficial qualities found in a thing.
More examples
- I still believe in the goodness of people.
- Fresh vegetables add flavor and goodness to the soup.
- The story celebrates the quiet goodness of ordinary neighbors.
Forms
good adjective — Kind, morally right, or beneficial.
Similar words
- kindness
- Emphasizes caring behavior toward others rather than overall moral quality.
- virtue
- Focuses on moral excellence rather than usefulness or health benefits.
- wholesomeness
- Emphasizes qualities that promote health or well-being rather than kindness.