goodness

5 definitions • 6 examples

the part of something, especially of food, that is good for health:

Don't cook vegetables for too long - they'll lose all their goodness.

the personal quality of being morally good:

Mother Teresa's goodness is an example to us all.

used to express any strong emotion, especially surprise:

(My) goodness (My) goodness! how many more times do I have to tell you!

goodness (me) Goodness gracious (me), what a terrible thought!

used in many fixed expressions to show emotion, esp. surprise:

Goodness! I thought you’d gone home already!

the quality of being morally right and admirable:

I believe in the basic goodness of human nature.