ˈgu̇dnə̇s, in exclamatory phrases also ˈgu̇nə̇s noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English goodnesse, from Old English gōdnes, from gōd good + -nes -ness — more at good
1. : the quality or state of being good: as
a. : moral excellence : virtue , benevolence , generosity
extolled the goodness of God
— often used interjectionally or in such phrases as for goodness' sake, goodness gracious, or goodness knows
a smuggler and forger and goodness knows what else — C.L.Boltz
b. : excellence in respect to material quality
the goodness of soil
2. : the nutritious, flavorful, or beneficial portion or element of something
boil all the goodness out of the coffee