Dictionary

good nature en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ɡʊdˈneɪtʃə/ (UK)

Etymology

From Middle English good nature, equivalent to good + nature, after Middle French bonne nature.

Meanings

1. (countable, uncountable) Habitual kindness or mildness of temper or disposition; amiability.
   • the goodnature and generosity which belonged to his character 1849–1861, Thomas Babington Macaulay, chapter XI, in The History of England from the Accession of James the Second, volume (please specify |volume=I to V), London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, →OCLC:
   • The young count's good nature and easy persuadability were among his best characteristics. 1860, Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Marble Faun: Or, The Romance of Monte Beni. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), Boston, Mass.: Ticknor and Fields, →OCLC:
   • I am disposed to think that Mrs. Butler Cornbury did Mrs. Tappitt an injury when she with so much ready goodnature accepted the invitation for the party […]. 1863, Anthony Trollope, Rachel Ray:

Forms

Relateds

good-natured