Goodness
'ɡʊdnəs
Definitions
3 meaningsThe state or quality of being good; moral excellence or virtue.
'ɡʊdnəs
The quality of being good.
The sheer goodness of her heart was evident in her charitable acts.
💡 Simply: Goodness is like when someone is really kind, helpful, or just nice in general. It's a good feeling, like when you help your friend or eat a yummy cookie!
👶 For kids: Being good and kind.
More Examples
The world needs more goodness, compassion and understanding.
The goodness of the weather put us in a great mood.
How It's Used
"The goodness of the food was a great surprise."
"She believed in the inherent goodness of people."
"The goodness of God is reflected in creation."
The beneficial or nutritious properties of something, especially food.
'ɡʊdnəs
Food that is considered healthy and good for you.
The fruit smoothie provided a burst of fruity goodness in the morning.
💡 Simply: This is when we use the word to describe the good stuff inside food that's healthy and makes your body feel good. Think of a vitamin packed smoothie or a yummy veggie!
👶 For kids: The healthy stuff in food that makes you grow big and strong!
More Examples
The chocolate cake had the goodness of chocolate.
Enjoy all the goodness this pizza has to offer.
How It's Used
"The cereal is packed with the goodness of whole grains."
"This smoothie is filled with fruity goodness."
An expression of surprise, alarm, or other emotion.
'ɡʊdnəs
An expression of surprise or emphasis.
Goodness, it's colder than I expected!
💡 Simply: This is like saying 'Wow!' or 'Oh my!' when something surprising happens, like a surprise party or a sudden storm.
👶 For kids: When you say 'Goodness!' because something surprising or amazing happens!
More Examples
Goodness, that's a big surprise!
Oh my goodness, that was scary!
How It's Used
"Goodness! I didn't see that coming!"
"Goodness gracious, it's raining cats and dogs!"
Idioms & expressions
Goodness gracious!
An expression of surprise, shock, or mild annoyance.
"Goodness gracious! I didn't expect to see you here."
From Middle English goodnesse, equivalent to good + -ness. Traced back to Old English gōdness.
Used in religious and philosophical texts to describe moral virtue and divine qualities since the Old English period.
Memory tip
Think of the feeling you get when you do something kind; that's goodness.
Word Origin
"gōdness (goodness)"