Good

/ɡʊd/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonQuality
5 meanings3 idioms/phrases5 questions

Definitions

5 meanings
1

Of high quality; satisfactory.

/ɡʊd/

adjectivepositiveBeginner
Quality

Having the required qualities; of a high standard.

This is a good book.

💡 Simply: When something is 'good,' it means it's working well, it's nice, or it's what you want. Like when your ice cream tastes good, or you have a good time with your friends!

👶 For kids: Good means something is nice or okay! Like when you have a good day or eat something yummy!

More Examples

2

She is a good friend.

3

The weather is good today.

How It's Used

General

"She is a good student."

Technology

"This is a good quality product."

2

Morally excellent; virtuous.

/ɡʊd/

adjectivepositivemedium
Morality

Morally right; virtuous; righteous.

It's good to be kind to others.

💡 Simply: 'Good' can also mean being kind, fair, and doing the right thing. Like when you share your toys, or help someone who's hurt.

👶 For kids: Good also means being kind and nice! Like when you share your toys with your friends!

More Examples

2

She is a good person.

3

He did a good deed.

How It's Used

Ethics

"It's good to help others."

Religion

"They strive to be good people."

Tip:Think of 'doing good deeds' – helping others and being kind.
3

Giving pleasure or satisfaction; enjoyable.

/ɡʊd/

adjectivepositiveBeginner
Experience

Pleasant or enjoyable.

We had a good time.

💡 Simply: 'Good' can also mean something fun or enjoyable! Like a good movie, a good song, or a good laugh with friends.

👶 For kids: Good also means fun! Like when you play with your friends and have a good time!

More Examples

2

That was a good concert.

3

The food tasted good.

How It's Used

Social

"We had a good time at the party."

Entertainment

"That movie was very good."

Tip:Think of a 'good' movie – a movie you enjoyed watching.
4

That which is morally right; virtue.

/ɡʊd/

nounpositivemedium
Abstract

Something that is beneficial or desirable.

They fought for the good of their community.

💡 Simply: Sometimes 'good' is a noun. It means something helpful, moral or beneficial to someone else.

👶 For kids: Good can mean doing something helpful or nice for people.

More Examples

2

She is striving to create a greater good.

3

The story demonstrates the triumph of good over evil.

How It's Used

Philosophy

"The pursuit of the good is a central goal."

Ethics

"She strives to promote the good."

Tip:Think of 'the greater good' – what is best for everyone.
5

Used to express approval, satisfaction, or agreement.

/ɡʊd/

interjectionpositiveBeginner
Expression

Expressing approval or satisfaction.

Good! That's exactly what I wanted to hear.

💡 Simply: You can say 'good!' to mean 'Yay! I agree,' or 'That's great!'.

👶 For kids: You say 'good!' when you are happy or agree with something!

More Examples

2

Good luck with your exam!

3

Good point!

How It's Used

Informal

"Good! I'm glad to hear that."

Communication

"Good job!"

Tip:Think of saying 'good' when you're pleased or agree with something.

Idioms & expressions

as good as gold

Behaving very well; obedient and well-behaved.

"The children were as good as gold during the church service."

good and...

Used for emphasis, to make something more intense.

"He was good and angry when he heard the news."

all good

Used to indicate that everything is fine or acceptable, often as a response.

"Is everything okay?"

From Old English *gōd*, Proto-Germanic *gōdaz*. Related to Gothic *gōds*, Old Norse *góðr*, and German *gut*. Originally meant 'excellent, valuable', and later expanded to include concepts of moral excellence and benefit.

The word 'good' has been used in English for over a thousand years, evolving from its original meanings of 'virtuous' and 'valuable' to encompass a wider range of positive attributes.

Memory tip

Think of a 'good' meal – something satisfying and enjoyable.

Word Origin

LanguageProto-Germanic
Original meaning

"Suitable, virtuous, excellent"

a good ideaa good timea good friendgood atgood forgood witha good example

Common misspellings

godgud

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written