Goodness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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goodness
[หษกสdnษs ]
Definitions
virtue
The quality of being morally good or virtuous; righteousness.
Synonyms
integrity, kindness, morality, righteousness, virtue.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| goodness |
Describes the inherent quality of being good and kind. Often used in a general sense to express positive moral attributes and benevolence.
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| virtue |
Refers to behavior showing high moral standards. Often used in philosophical, historical, or literary contexts.
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| morality |
Pertains to principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. Often used in discussions about ethical or philosophical issues.
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| righteousness |
Describes the quality of being morally right or justifiable. It can be used in religious or ethical contexts.
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| kindness |
Describes the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It is often used in contexts involving personal interactions.
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| integrity |
Refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It is often used in professional or serious contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She was known for her kindness and goodness towards others.
- His actions were driven by a sense of goodness and integrity.
benefit
The quality of being good, in particular, beneficial or advantageous.
Synonyms
advantage, benefit, merit, value.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| goodness |
This word is often used to describe the quality of being good or having moral integrity. It's also used to refer to the beneficial aspects or nutritional value of something.
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| benefit |
Benefit is used to talk about something that is helpful or provides an improvement in a particular situation. It can also refer to positive outcomes.
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| advantage |
This word is used when talking about a favorable condition or circumstance that gives someone a better chance to succeed.
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| value |
Value refers to the importance, worth, or usefulness of something. It can be used in financial, social, or personal contexts.
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| merit |
Merit is used to describe the quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward. It often refers to someone's abilities or achievements.
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Examples of usage
- The goodness of regular exercise is well-documented.
- We should always strive for the goodness of others.
pleasure
The quality of being pleasant or enjoyable.
Synonyms
delight, enjoyment, happiness, pleasure.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| goodness |
Used generally to refer to moral virtue or kindness. Can also refer to the nutritious quality of food.
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| pleasure |
Used to describe a feeling of satisfaction or contentment derived from an experience or activity. Can sometimes have a hedonistic or indulgent connotation.
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| enjoyment |
Used to describe the state of taking pleasure in something, typically over a period of time.
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| delight |
Used to describe a feeling of great joy or pleasure, often linked to a specific event or situation.
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| happiness |
Used to describe a state of well-being and contentment, often encompassing a general sense of positive emotion.
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Examples of usage
- The goodness of the warm sunshine on a cold day.
- The simple goodness of spending time with loved ones.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that performing acts of kindness can boost happiness and well-being for both the giver and the receiver.
- The concept of goodness is often associated with empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
- Positive psychology highlights goodness as a key element of life satisfaction and fulfillment.
Literature
- Goodness has been a central theme in many literary works, often contrasting with evil to explore moral dilemmas.
- Classic tales, like those from Aesop's Fables, convey moral lessons about the importance of being good and kind.
- In theological texts, goodness is often depicted as a divine attribute, showing its significance across cultures.
Pop Culture
- Films like 'Itโs a Wonderful Life' emphasize the impact of goodness on community and personal relationships.
- Comic book heroes often represent goodness, showcasing the struggle between good and evil in society.
- Songs frequently celebrate themes of goodness, encouraging listeners to embrace kindness and positivity.
Philosophy
- Various philosophical traditions debate what constitutes goodness, often linking it to the concept of the 'greater good.'
- The ethical philosophy of Utilitarianism promotes actions that lead to the greatest good for the greatest number.
- Philosophers like Aristotle emphasized 'virtue ethics,' where goodness is seen as integral to a flourishing life.
Origin of 'goodness'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'godness,' which combines the word for good and a suffix meaning 'state of being'.
- In many languages, similar words reflect a positive moral quality, emphasizing the universal appreciation for goodness.
- Historically, the idea of goodness has been linked to virtue and morality, influencing ethics and philosophy.
The word 'goodness' originated from the Middle English 'godnesse', which evolved from the Old English 'godnes'. It has been used since the 12th century to describe the quality of being morally good or virtuous. Over time, its meaning expanded to also include the concepts of benefit and pleasure. 'Goodness' is a fundamental aspect of ethics and philosophy, emphasizing the importance of moral values and virtuous behavior.