Good is a term that can mean anything from a wholesome, healthy meal to a well-made garment. It can also refer to a person’s character traits, such as being honest, virtuous or compassionate. It is often a key theme in literature, including novels and plays. In a technical sense, good is an adjective that describes the quality of something: something is considered “good” if it does what it is supposed to do.

The concept of what is good is at the center of many philosophical and religious debates. It is a central topic in ethics and metaethics, where the question is how to determine whether an action is morally right. The answer can depend on the ethical framework used, for example utilitarianism or deontology. For example, if someone performs a charitable act, it might be considered “good” according to utilitarianism because that action decreases suffering in the world. But if one applies the philosophy of metaethics, that act could still be considered wrong because it may not provide sufficient benefits for all people in the world.

Moreover, the word good can be relative in scope: what is good for one might not be considered good by another, such as a consumer purchasing clothing made with child labor or a drug dealer who sells drugs to support his or her family. It can also be relative in time: something that is good now might not be considered good in the future, such as an oil spill.

A good article has a strong opening, which is usually an impactful question or startling statement that can engage the reader and make him or her want to read more. The article should then offer a benefit or promise, such as an important new angle on a familiar topic, that will entice the reader to stay engaged and invested in the content.

The adverb good is common in informal speech and writing, especially after linking verbs such as taste, smell, look, feel, or be: The biscuits taste good. I like to feel good after a workout. I see good with my new glasses. However, in formal speech and edited writing, the adverb well is more appropriate: He did well on the test; She sees well with her new glasses. The difference is subtle, but it is important.