Good

/ɡʊd/ adj, adv, intj, name, noun, verb, slang

adj, adv, intj, name, noun, verb, slang ·Top 500 ·Elementary level

Meaning at a glance

  • Primary sense: The forces or behaviours that are the enemy of evil. Usually consists of helping others and general benevolence.
  • Grammar: good is listed as adj, adv, intj, name, noun, verb, slang.
  • Nearest alternatives: commodity, goodness, able, able to pay.
  • Useful contrasts: awful, bad, detestable.
  • Usage evidence: You are saying you intentionally hide your good looks?

How to use "good"

  1. Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
  2. Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "good" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
  3. Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.

Meaning check

  • Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
  • Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
  • Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
  • Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?

Source and review context

This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "good" in a final draft.

If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.

Before you rely on this definition

Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "good" as the right word for your sentence.

If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "good" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.

Compare nearby meanings

  • Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
  • Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
  • Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
  • Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.

Definition decision workflow

1. Identify the role

Check whether "good" is acting as adj, adv, intj, name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.

2. Test the nearest option

Compare it with "commodity" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.

3. Confirm with context

Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.

Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.

Final meaning check

Before publishing a sentence with "good", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.

When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The forces or behaviours that are the enemy of evil. Usually consists of helping others and general benevolence. uncountable

    "And Vickers launched forth into a tirade very different from his platform utterances. He spoke with extreme contempt of the dense stupidity exhibited on all occasions by the working classes. He said that if you wanted to do anything for them, you must rule them, not pamper them. Soft heartedness caused more harm than good."

  2. 2
    a raw material that is sold in large quantities, usually to other businesses for manufacturing or production purposes wordnet
  3. 3
    A result that is positive in the view of the speaker. countable
  4. 4
    moral excellence or admirableness wordnet
  5. 5
    The abstract instantiation of goodness; that which possesses desirable qualities, promotes success, welfare, or happiness, is serviceable, fit, excellent, kind, benevolent, etc. uncountable

    "The best is the enemy of the good."

Show 4 more definitions
  1. 6
    that which is pleasing or valuable or useful wordnet
  2. 7
    An item of merchandise. countable, plural-normally

    "Thy lands and goods / Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscate / Unto the state of Venice."

  3. 8
    benefit wordnet
  4. 9
    An article of personal property (as opposed to real property). countable, plural-normally
Verb
  1. 1
    To thrive; fatten; prosper; improve. dialectal, intransitive
  2. 2
    To furnish with dung; manure; fatten with manure; fertilise. Scotland, dialectal, transitive

    "April 5 1628, Bishop Joseph Hall, The Blessings, Sins, and Judgments of God's Vineyard Nature was like itself , in it , in the world : God hath taken it in from the barren downs , and gooded it : his choice did not find , but make it thus"

  3. 3
    To make good; turn to good; improve. dialectal, transitive
  4. 4
    To make improvements or repairs. dialectal, intransitive
  5. 5
    To benefit; gain. dialectal, intransitive
Show 3 more definitions
  1. 6
    To do good to (someone); benefit; cause to improve or gain. dialectal, transitive
  2. 7
    To satisfy; indulge; gratify. dialectal, transitive
  3. 8
    To flatter; congratulate oneself; anticipate. dialectal, reflexive
Adjective
  1. 1
    Of a person or an animal:; Acting in the interest of what is beneficial, ethical, or moral.

    "good intentions"

  2. 2
    Of a black person, dead or killed. Internet, dialectal, ethnic, not-comparable, offensive, slur

    "Another evil nigger made good. I love a good news story."

  3. 3
    Of a person or an animal:; Competent or talented.

    "a good swimmer"

  4. 4
    Of a person or an animal:; Able to be depended on for the discharge of obligations incurred; of unimpaired credit; used with for.

    "Can you lend me fifty dollars? You know I'm good for it."

  5. 5
    Of a person or an animal:; Well-behaved (especially of children or animals).

    "Be good while your mother and I are out."

Show 25 more definitions
  1. 6
    Of a person or an animal:; Satisfied or at ease; not requiring more. US

    "Would you like a glass of water? — I'm good."

  2. 7
    Of a person or an animal:; Accepting of, OK with colloquial

    "My mother said she's good with me being alone with my date as long as she's met them first."

  3. 8
    Of a person or an animal:; Of high rank or birth. archaic

    "Thou art a Traitor, and a Miſcreant; Too good to be ſo, and too bad to liue, Since the more faire and chriſtall is the skie, The vglier ſeeme the cloudes that in it flye:"

  4. 9
    Of a capability:; Useful for a particular purpose; functional.

    "it’s a good watch;  the flashlight batteries are still good"

  5. 10
    Of a capability:; Effective.

    "a good worker"

  6. 11
    Of a capability:; Real; actual; serious. obsolete

    "in good sooth"

  7. 12
    Of a property or quality:; Of food:; Having a particularly pleasant taste.

    "The food was very good."

  8. 13
    Of a property or quality:; Of food:; Being satisfying; meeting dietary requirements.

    "Eat a good dinner so you will be ready for the big game tomorrow."

  9. 14
    Of a property or quality:; Of food or other perishable products, still fit for use; not yet expired, stale, rotten, etc.

    "The bread is still good."

  10. 15
    Of a property or quality:; Valid, of worth, capable of being honoured.

    "This coupon is good for a free doughnut."

  11. 16
    Of a property or quality:; True, valid, of explanatory strength.

    "This theory still holds good even if much higher temperatures are assumed."

  12. 17
    Of a property or quality:; Right, proper, as it should be.

    "It is not good to be alone, / to walk here in this worthely wone, / In all this welthly wyn;"

  13. 18
    Of a property or quality:; Healthful.

    "Exercise and a varied diet are good for you."

  14. 19
    Of a property or quality:; Pleasant; enjoyable.

    "We had a good time."

  15. 20
    Of a property or quality:; Favorable.

    "a good omen;  good weather"

  16. 21
    Of a property or quality:; Unblemished; honourable.

    "a person's good name"

  17. 22
    Of a property or quality:; Beneficial; worthwhile.

    "a good job"

  18. 23
    Of a property or quality:; Adequate; sufficient; not fallacious.

    "[I]f thou ask me why, / Sufficeth my reaſons are both good and waighty."

  19. 24
    Very, extremely. See good and. colloquial

    "The soup is good and hot."

  20. 25
    Ready. colloquial

    "I'm good when you are."

  21. 26
    Holy (especially when capitalized) .

    "Good Friday, Good Wednesday, the Good Book"

  22. 27
    Of a quantity:; Reasonable in amount.

    "all in good time"

  23. 28
    Of a quantity:; Large in amount or size.

    "a good while longer"

  24. 29
    Of a quantity:; Full; entire; at least as much as.

    "This hill will take a good hour and a half to climb."

  25. 30
    Special, best, favorite.

    "No, not that one. That's my good shirt I only wear for special occasions."

Adjective
  1. 1
    promoting or enhancing well-being wordnet
  2. 2
    having the normally expected amount wordnet
  3. 3
    with or in a close or intimate relationship wordnet
  4. 4
    thorough wordnet
  5. 5
    generally admired wordnet
Show 16 more definitions
  1. 6
    exerting force or influence wordnet
  2. 7
    resulting favorably wordnet
  3. 8
    not left to spoil wordnet
  4. 9
    not forged wordnet
  5. 10
    having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified wordnet
  6. 11
    morally admirable wordnet
  7. 12
    tending to promote physical well-being; beneficial to health wordnet
  8. 13
    in excellent physical condition wordnet
  9. 14
    appealing to the mind wordnet
  10. 15
    agreeable or pleasing wordnet
  11. 16
    most suitable or right for a particular purpose wordnet
  12. 17
    capable of pleasing wordnet
  13. 18
    deserving of esteem and respect wordnet
  14. 19
    of moral excellence wordnet
  15. 20
    having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude wordnet
  16. 21
    financially safe wordnet
Adverb
  1. 1
    Well; satisfactorily or thoroughly. informal, proscribed, sometimes

    "When you're cleaning these racks, you've got to get in there good, because the quality system specifies it."

Adverb
  1. 1
    (often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (‘good’ is a nonstandard dialectal variant for ‘well’) wordnet
  2. 2
    completely and absolutely (‘good’ is sometimes used informally for ‘thoroughly’) wordnet
Intj
  1. 1
    That is good; an elliptical exclamation of satisfaction or commendation.

    "Good! I can leave now."

Proper Noun
  1. 1
    A surname.

    "As The New York Times reported, bystander footage filmed from several different angles shows that the agent who shot Good wasn’t in the path of her S.U.V. when he fired on her."

  2. 2
    Plato's metaprinciple of proper systemic function between principles; the fundamental Platonic form which enables knowledge and metacognition, from which other concepts such as truth, justice and virtue derive meaning.
  3. 3
    An unincorporated community in Hampshire County, West Virginia.

Synonyms

All synonyms
commoditygoodnessableable to payabsolutelyacceptable

Example

"You are saying you intentionally hide your good looks?"

Common questions

What does "good" mean?

The forces or behaviours that are the enemy of evil. Usually consists of helping others and general benevolence.

What is a synonym for "good"?

Common synonyms include: commodity, goodness, able, able to pay, absolutely, acceptable.

How do you use "good" in a sentence?

You are saying you intentionally hide your good looks?

How do you pronounce "good"?

Pronounced /ɡʊd/.

Etymology

Etymology 1

Inherited from Middle English good, from Old English gōd, from Proto-West Germanic *gōd, from Proto-Germanic *gōdaz (“good”), from Proto-Indo-European *gʰedʰ- (“to unite, be associated, suit, fit”). Related to gather and together, but not to god/God. Eclipsed non-native Middle English bon, bone, boon, boun (“good”) borrowed from Old French bon (“good”), from Latin bonus (“good”). Cognates Cognate with Scots gude, guid (“good”), Yola gayde, gooude, gude (“good”), North Frisian goud, gud, guid, gur, gödj, gööd (“good”), Saterland Frisian goud (“good”), West Frisian goed (“good”), Alemannic German guet (“good”), Bavarian guad (“good”), Central Franconian gut, jot, jott (“good”), Cimbrian guat, guut (“good”), Dutch goed, goei (“good”), Dutch Low Saxon good (“good”), German gut (“good”), Limburgish good, gott (“good”), Low German god, goot, got, gued (“good”), Luxembourgish gutt (“good”), Mòcheno guat (“good”), Vilamovian güt (“good”), Yiddish גוט (gut, “good”), Danish, Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk, and Swedish god (“good”), Elfdalian guoð (“good”), Faroese, Icelandic góður (“good”), Gothic 𐌲𐍉𐌸𐍃 (gōþs, “good”), Vandalic *guths (“good”); also Albanian nge (“chance, leisure, opportunity, time”), Latvian gods (“honor”), Lithuanian guõdas (“nobleness, virtue; glory, honour”), Belarusian го́дны (hódny, “worthy”), Bulgarian го́ден (góden, “fit, suitable”), Czech hodný (“good, kind”), Polish godny, godzien (“dignified, worthy”), Russian го́дный (gódnyj, “fit, well-suited, good for; (coll.) good”), Ukrainian гі́дний (hídnyj, “deserving, worthy”), го́дний (hódnyj, “fit, well-suited, good for; (coll.) good”).

Etymology 2

Inherited from Middle English goode (“good, well”, adverb), from the adjective. Compare Dutch goed (“good, well”, adverb), German gut (“good, well”, adverb), Danish godt (“good, well”, adverb), Swedish gott (“good, well”, adverb), all from the adjective.

Etymology 3

Inherited from Middle English good, god, from Old English gōd (“a good thing, advantage, benefit, gift; good, goodness, welfare; virtue, ability, doughtiness; goods, property, wealth”), from Proto-Germanic *gōdą (“goods, belongings”), from Proto-Indo-European *gʰedʰ-, *gʰodʰ- (“to unite, be associated, suit”). Compare German Gut (“item of merchandise; estate; property”).

Etymology 4

Inherited from Middle English goden, godien, from Old English gōdian (“to improve, get better; make better; endow, enrich”), from Proto-West Germanic *gōdōn (“to make better, improve”), from Proto-Germanic *gōdaz (“good, favorable”).

Etymology 5

From English dialectal, from Middle English *goden, of North Germanic origin, related to Swedish göda (“to fatten, fertilise, battle”), Danish gøde (“to fertilise, battle”), ultimately from the adjective. See above.

Etymology 6

Coined in reference to the phrase the only good nigger is a dead nigger, a popular saying among white supremacists.

Etymology 7

* As an English surname, from the adjective good. * Also as an English surname, from the personal name Gōde, which represents the first part of names such as Godfrey, Gottfried, etc. * As a German surname, Americanized from Gut, Guth. * As a Dutch surname, Americanized from Goed, Goede.

Etymology 8

Ellipsis of the form of the Good, a calque of Ancient Greek ἡ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ ἰδέα (hē toû agathoû idéa), a concept used in Plato's Republic.

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