Learner's definition of GOODNESS
[noncount]
1
: the quality or state of being good好的品质(或状态): such as
a : the quality or state of being kind, honest, generous, helpful, etc.善良;真诚;美德 -
I believe there is (some) goodness in everyone.我相信每个人都有善良的一面。
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Even if you don't agree, at least have the goodness to be polite!即使你不同意,也至少应该有礼貌!
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She agreed to help him out of the goodness of her heart. [=because she is a kind and generous person]她出于好心,答应帮助他。
b : the quality or state of being useful or effective有用成分;有效性 2
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used to express mild surprise or shock啊呀,天哪(用于表示轻微惊讶或震惊) -
Goodness, it's hot out today!啊呀,今天外面真热!
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Goodness (only) knows how it happened.(只有)天知道这是怎么回事。
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“Did you stop them?” “Goodness (gracious), no!”“你阻止他们了吗?”“哎呀,没有!”
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Oh, my goodness!哦,天啊!
◊ People use I swear to goodness, I hope to goodness, or I wish to goodness to add force to a statement.我对天发誓,我真希望(用于加强语气)
for goodness' sake
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used to express surprise or annoyance看在上帝的份儿上,天哪,求求你(用于表示惊讶或气恼)
goodness knows
— see 1know