Definitions for goodnessˈgʊd nɪs

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

good•ness^*ˈgʊd nɪs(n.)

the state or quality of being good.
moral excellence; virtue.
kindness; generosity.
the best or most valuable part of anything; essence.
a euphemism for God:
Thank goodness!
(interj.)(used in expressions of surprise, alarm, etc.).

^* Syn: goodness , morality , virtue refer to qualities of character or conduct that entitle the possessor to approval and esteem. goodness is the simple word for a general quality recognized as an inherent part of one's character: her goodness and honesty. morality implies conformity to the recognized standards of right conduct: a citizen of the highest morality. virtue is a rather formal word, and usu. suggests goodness that is consciously or steadily maintained, often in spite of evil influences: a man of unassailable virtue.

Origin of goodness:

bef. 900

Princeton's WordNet

good, goodness(noun)
that which is pleasing or valuable or useful
"weigh the good against the bad"; "among the highest goods of all are happiness and self-realization"
good, goodness(noun)
moral excellence or admirableness
"there is much good to be found in people"

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

goodness(noun)ˈgʊd nɪs
the quality of being good
moral goodness; nature's goodness
goodnessˈgʊd nɪs
the parts of food or drink that are healthy or tasty
the best way to get the goodness out of garlic
goodnessˈgʊd nɪs
indicates surprise
My goodness, you've grown up a lot!

Wiktionary

goodness(Noun)
The state or characteristic of being good.
goodness(Noun)
The good, nutritional, healthy part or content of something.
goodness(Noun)
God.
Thank goodness that the war is over!
goodness(Noun)
The moral qualities which constitute Christian excellence; moral virtue.

Webster Dictionary

Goodness(noun)
the quality of being good in any of its various senses; excellence; virtue; kindness; benevolence; as, the goodness of timber, of a soil, of food; goodness of character, of disposition, of conduct, etc