Dictionary [GOOD]: Comprehensive Guide to 'Good': Forms, Usage, and Etymology Explained

good

good

adjective
UKɡʊdUSɡʊd

Of high quality, morally right, or beneficial.

Example Sentences

  1. She is a good friend who always supports me.

  2. The weather is good for outdoor activities today.

  3. He made a good decision under challenging circumstances.

  4. This restaurant serves consistently good food.

  1. A good education is crucial for career growth.

  2. This is a good opportunity to learn a new skill.

  3. The book has many good reviews because of its engaging story.

  4. The movie was so good that I decided to watch it twice, appreciating the detailed storytelling and remarkable acting performances.

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noun (countable)
UKɡʊdUSɡʊd

That which is morally right, beneficial, or advantageous.

Example Sentences

  1. He strives to do good for the community through volunteer work.

  2. The company donated a large amount of money for the public good.

  3. The goods were delivered on time and in excellent condition.

  4. Her actions were motivated by a desire to achieve the greater good.

  1. The charity aims to promote the common good by funding education projects.

  2. The store offers a variety of goods, from groceries to electronics.

  3. Good often triumphs over evil in many classic stories.

  4. His sacrifices for the good of his family, including working long hours, were deeply appreciated by everyone around him.

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How to Use

Of high quality, morally right, or beneficial.

The word 'good' is an adjective primarily used to describe quality ('This is a good book'), moral virtue ('He is a good person'), or suitability ('It’s a good time to call'). It also functions as a noun to signify something beneficial or positive ('He did it for the greater good'). In informal contexts, 'good' is used as an interjection ('Good! I’m glad to hear that'). It has comparative ('better') and superlative ('best') forms to indicate relative degrees of quality. 'Good' often appears in idiomatic phrases like 'as good as,' 'good for you,' and 'no good.' Use context to distinguish between its meanings effectively.

Alternatives

Alternatives to 'good' include 'excellent' (stronger quality), 'fine' (neutral), 'positive' (favorable), and 'kind' (moral goodness).

Writing

In writing, 'good' is versatile but can be overused. To add precision, use synonyms like 'excellent,' 'satisfactory,' or 'virtuous,' depending on the context. For formal texts, avoid vague usage ('This is good') and provide details ('This method produces excellent results'). The comparative ('better') and superlative ('best') forms work well in evaluations or comparisons ('The best solution is to act now').

Casual Conversation

In casual conversation, 'good' is commonly used to express approval ('That’s good!'), well-being ('I’m good, thanks'), or suitability ('It’s a good idea'). It’s also frequent in phrases like 'all good' (everything is fine) or 'good job' (praise). Its simplicity makes it a staple in daily speech.

Etymology

From Old English 'gōd' ('virtuous, desirable'), related to Proto-Germanic *gōdaz and Proto-Indo-European *gʰedʰ- ('to unite, be suitable'). Interesting fact: The word 'good' originally had strong moral and ethical connotations, which persist in modern usage alongside its broader meanings.

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