having high quality, being pleasant, useful, or correct
She is a good friend who always helps me.
The pizza from that new restaurant tastes really good.
✦ Old English gōd, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch goed and German gut.
of the highest quality, excellence, or suitability among a group
This is the best pizza I have ever tasted.
Lisa bought the best seats for the concert so we could see everything clearly.
moral benefit or advantage; what is right or helpful
We must work together for the good of the community.
A little kindness can bring great good to others.
✦ Derived from the adjective sense, used as an abstract noun since Old English times.
items produced for sale; merchandise
The factory ships its goods to stores around the world.
Imported goods are often subject to customs taxes.
✦ Plural use developed in Middle English to describe possessions and wares for trade.
used to express approval, satisfaction, or agreement
“We finished the project on time.” “Good!”
“Your test results are normal.” “Good.”
✦ Interjection use recorded since the 16th century as a short form of phrases like “good! well done!”.
(informal or dialect) well; in a satisfactory manner
He can play the guitar pretty good for his age.
The team worked good together despite the pressure.
✦ Adverbial use dates back to Middle English, later considered non-standard compared to “well”.
used to express surprise, shock, or emphasis
Goodness! I almost missed the bus.
Goodness, that dog can jump high!
✦ Interjectional use recorded since the 1600s as a mild oath replacing references to God.
the healthy or useful part of something, especially food
Fresh fruit is packed with natural goodness.
Boiling vegetables for too long can drain their goodness.
✦ Extended sense referring to the beneficial qualities of food arose in the 19th century.
the quality of being morally good, kind, or fair
Her acts of goodness inspired everyone in the neighbourhood.
He believes a little goodness can change the entire world.
✦ From Middle English goodnesse, from Old English gōdnes.
