Definition of "goodwill" []

• An attitude of kindness or friendliness; benevolence. (noun)
• Cheerful acquiescence or willingness. (noun)
• A good relationship, as of a business with its customers or a nation with other nations. (noun)
• The positive reputation of a business viewed as an asset, equal to the excess cost required to acquire the business over the fair market value of all other assets. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Formerly, accountants used the term goodwill to refer to an intangible business asset, such as a well-regarded business name, brand, or symbol, acquired in a merger."
• "(Turner's payment included another $1 million in "goodwill" money for the Department of Homeland Security.)"
• "We are convinced that any signs of improvement or goodwill from the government and its leaders will be met with understanding and support from the Chinese people and will be effective in moving Chinese society in a peaceful direction."