Reading Theme:
Goodwill Definition: Personal & Business Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：friendly feeling (goodwill)
goodwill
/ˌɡʊdˈwɪl/
n.
A friendly or helpful feeling towards other people, a kind and positive attitude.
friendly feeling
➕
/ˈfrendli ˈfiːlɪŋ/
n.
A positive, kind, and helpful attitude or feeling towards others.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Compound of 'good' (desirable) + 'will' (intention, desire).
💡 Mnemonic
GOOD actions show a good WILL (intention).
📖 Example
She offered to help out of pure goodwill, without expecting anything in return.
She offered to help out of pure goodwill, without expecting anything in return.
🔗 Collocations
gesture of goodwill – an action intended to show kindness or improve relations
goodwill ambassador – a person who promotes peace or charitable causes
show goodwill – to demonstrate a kind and friendly attitude
🔄 Synonyms
kindness (n.) – the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate
benevolence (n.) – the quality of being well-meaning; kindness
amity (n.) – a friendly relationship
🚫 Antonyms
ill will (n.) – unfriendly or hostile feeling; malice
animosity (n.) – strong hostility
resentment (n.) – bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Old English 'gōdwilla' meaning 'good will' or 'benevolent intention'. The modern dual meaning reflects its evolution from personal kindness to an abstract business asset.
Meaning 2：intangible business asset (goodwill)
goodwill
/ˌɡʊdˈwɪl/
n.
The value of a business that comes from its good reputation, loyal customers, and strong relationships, beyond just its physical things.
intangible business asset
➕
/ɪnˈtændʒəbl ˈbɪznəs ˈæset/
n.
The commercial value of a company's reputation, customer loyalty, and brand relationships, distinct from physical assets.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The family-owned bakery was sold for a high price, largely because of its strong goodwill built over fifty years.
The family-owned bakery was sold for a high price, largely because of its strong goodwill built over fifty years.
🔗 Collocations
business goodwill – the value of a company's reputation and customer base
goodwill impairment – a reduction in the recorded value of goodwill on a company's balance sheet
purchased goodwill – goodwill that is acquired when one company buys another for more than its net asset value
🔄 Synonyms
brand value (n.) – the commercial worth of a brand's name and reputation
reputational capital (n.) – the value derived from a positive reputation
intangible asset (n.) – a non-physical asset such as a patent, trademark, or reputation
🚫 Antonyms
tangible asset (n.) – a physical asset with clear monetary value, like equipment or property
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