Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Goodwill

//ɡʊdˈwɪl// name, noun

Definitions

Proper Noun
  1. 1
    A surname.
Noun
  1. 1
    A favorably disposed attitude toward someone or something. uncountable, usually
  2. 2
    Alternative letter-case form of goodwill (“a thrift shop”). alt-of
  3. 3
    a disposition to kindness and compassion wordnet
  4. 4
    The value of a business entity not directly attributable to its tangible assets and liabilities, deriving from factors such as consumer loyalty to the brand. uncountable, usually
  5. 5
    the friendly hope that something will succeed wordnet
Show 4 more definitions
  1. 6
    The ability of an individual or business to exert influence within a community, club, market or another type of group, without having to resort to the use of an asset (such as money or property), either directly or by the creation of a lien. uncountable, usually
  2. 7
    (accounting) an intangible asset valued according to the advantage or reputation a business has acquired (over and above its tangible assets) wordnet
  3. 8
    The willingness of a worker to perform activities not strictly within the scope of the employment contract and not just work to rule. uncountable, usually

    "As Denning MR said in Secretary of State for Employment v ASLEF (No. 2) (1972): 'a man is not bound to do more for his employer than his contract requires. He can withdraw his goodwill if he pleases.'"

  4. 9
    A thrift shop. Canada, US, capitalized, countable, uncommon, usually

    "Buy from goodwills, garage sales, friends, and neighbors. Choose beautiful, functional, durable items made by craftspeople."

Etymology

From Middle English *goodwille, good wille (“goodwill”), perhaps from Old English *gōdwille (“goodwill”); compare Old English gōdwillende (“well-pleased”); also Scots guidwilly, guidwillie (“displaying goodwill”), equivalent to good + will. Cognate with Scots guidwill (“goodwill”), Middle Low German gūtwille (“goodwill”), Old High German guotwilligi (“goodwill”), Old Danish godvilje (“goodwill”), Icelandic góðvilji, góðvili (“goodwill”), Icelandic góðvild (“goodness”). The sense "thrift shop" is a genericized trademark of a US chain of such shops.

See also for "goodwill"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: goodwill