goodwill
Noun: 1. A friendly, helpful, or cooperative feeling or attitude; benevolence. This refers to a general disposition of kindness, compassion, and a desire for positive outcomes for others. 2. (Business/Commerce) The established reputation and customer loyalty of a business, considered as a valuable asset. This is the positive perception and relationship a company has with its customers, suppliers, and the community, which contributes to its ongoing value. 3. (Accounting) An intangible asset on a company's balance sheet representing the value of its acquired reputation, brand name, customer base, and other non-physical advantages. This is the monetary value assigned when a company is purchased for more than the fair market value of its net tangible assets.
General Attitude:
- The two nations signed the treaty in a spirit of goodwill.
- She volunteered her time out of pure goodwill.
- A goodwill gesture can help resolve conflicts.
Business/Commerce:
- The store has built up a lot of goodwill in the local community over the years.
- Losing customer goodwill can be more damaging than a financial loss.
Accounting:
- The purchase price included a significant amount for goodwill, reflecting the brand's strong reputation.
- The company's balance sheet lists goodwill as an intangible asset.
- "In goodwill" / "As a gesture of goodwill": Used to describe an action done to show friendly intention, often to improve a relationship or situation.
- The airline offered vouchers to all passengers as a gesture of goodwill after the delay.
- Goodwill ambassador: A person who acts as an unofficial representative to promote the ideals or image of an organization, country, or cause.
- The actress serves as a goodwill ambassador for the UN.
- Benevolence: The quality of being well-meaning; kindness.
- Friendliness: The quality of being friendly; affability.
- Favor: Approval, support, or liking for someone or something.
- (Business) Intangible asset / Brand value: Non-physical assets that contribute to a company's worth.
- Goodwill tour: A journey, often by a diplomat or celebrity, intended to create a favorable impression.
- The president embarked on a goodwill tour of the region.
- Goodwill hunting: (A pun on the phrase "goodwill hunting," popularized by a film title) Informally, it can refer to shopping at thrift stores like Goodwill, but this is not a standard phrasal verb of the word itself.
- a disposition to kindness and compassion
- the victor's grace in treating the vanquished
- the friendly hope that something will succeed
- (accounting) an intangible asset valued according to the advantage or reputation a business has acquired (over and above its tangible assets)