goodness

noun

1)

she must have seen some goodness in him

Syn:

virtue, good, righteousness, morality, integrity, rectitude; honesty, truth, truthfulness, honor, probity; propriety, decency, respectability, nobility, worthiness, worth, merit, trustworthiness; blamelessness, purity

2)

the neighbor's goodness toward us

Syn:

kindness, kindliness, tenderheartedness, humanity, mildness, benevolence, graciousness; tenderness, warmth, affection, love, goodwill; sympathy, compassion, care, concern, understanding, tolerance, generosity, charity, leniency, clemency, magnanimity

3)

slow cooking retains the food's goodness

Syn:

nutritional value, nutrients, wholesomeness, nourishment

••

goodness, morality, probity, rectitude, virtue

Of all these words denoting moral excellence, goodness is the broadest in meaning. It describes an excellence so well established that it is thought of as inherent or innate and is associated with kindness, generosity, helpfulness, and sincerity (she has more goodness in her little finger than most people have in their whole body). Morality, on the other hand, is moral excellence based on a code of ethical conduct or religious teaching (his behavior was kept in line by fear of punishment rather than morality). Although it is often used as a synonym for goodness, virtue suggests moral excellence that is acquired rather than innate and that is consciously or steadfastly maintained, often in spite of temptations or evil influences (her virtue was as unassailable as her noble character). Rectitude is used to describe strict adherence to the rules of just or right behavior and carries strong connotations of sternness and self-discipline (he had a reputation for rectitude and insisted on absolute truthfulness). Probity describes an honesty or integrity that has been tried and proved (as mayor, she displayed a probity that was rare in a politician).