good nature

See also: goodnature

English

Alternative forms

• goodnature (obsolete)

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɡʊdˈneɪtʃə/

Noun

good nature (countable and uncountable, plural good natures)

1. Habitual kindness or mildness of temper or disposition; amiability. [from 15th c.]
   • 1863, Anthony Trollope, Rachel Ray:

     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 […].

   • 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 goodnature and generosity which belonged to his character

   • 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:

     The young count's good nature and easy persuadability were among his best characteristics.

Related terms

• good-natured