goodness

Definition

The state or characteristic of being good.

Etymology

From Middle English goodnesse, godnesse, from Old English gōdnes (“goodness; virtue; kindness”), from Proto-West Germanic *gōdnassī (“goodness”), equivalent to good + -ness. Cognate with Scots guidness (“goodness”), West Frisian goedens (“goodness”), Old High German guotnessī (“goodness”), Middle High German guotnisse (“goodness”), Russian годность (godnostʹ, “suitability, fitness”).

Example Sentences

• "There is ſome ſoule of goodneſſe in things euill, / VVould men obſeruingly 'diſtill it out."
• "Rich, raisiny, smoky, coffee goodness: that is the flavor of urfa biber."
• "Thank goodness that the war is over!"