Goodwill refers to the friendly, helpful, and cooperative feelings or attitudes that one party holds towards another. It is often associated with a positive reputation or relationship, particularly in business, where establishing goodwill can lead to better customer loyalty, improved partnerships, and overall success. Goodwill can also refer to an intangible asset representing the value of a company's brand, customer relationships, and overall reputation.
The word "goodwill" is derived from the Old English "gōd" meaning "good" and "will" which comes from the Germanic root "willō" meaning "desire" or "wish." The term has been used in various forms since the 15th century.