goodness: Meaning and Definition of

good•ness

Pronunciation: (good'nis), [key]
— n.
  1. the state or quality of being good.
  2. moral excellence; virtue.
  3. kindly feeling; kindness; generosity.
  4. excellence of quality: goodness of workmanship.
  5. the best part of anything; essence; strength.
  6. a euphemism for God: Thank goodness!
—interj.
  1. (used in expressions of surprise, alarm, etc.): Goodness, you gave me a start! Goodness gracious!
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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