Good is the opposite of evil. It refers to the behavior we would most like to emulate. It is of particular interest to philosophers, linguists, and religious believers because it relates to the study of ethics, morality, and religion. In practice, however, the concept of good varies considerably, depending on the philosophical context and the place of use. Listed below are the basic characteristics of good. They are not exhaustive, but they can help you understand why some things are considered “good” and which ones are not.

“Good” has many definitions, including its utility, efficiency, and attractiveness. It is also an adjective, a noun, and an idiom for a certain thing that can be sold. The word comes from a German root meaning “gathering,” and originally meant “fitting or healthy.” Good, therefore, refers to many things. A long walk through a crowded city is good for people watchers, but not so much for misanthropes. A good piece of food is still edible, but not so good if it has spoiled.

Generally, good is a noun, and well is an adverb. When used with a verb, good tells you HOW something is done, not just what it is. It also changes to better or best in comparative and superlative forms. Then, good is an adjective for good, and well is an adverb for well. For example, in a sentence about someone’s health, “I feel good today,” would be a sentence about how healthy they are.