good-faith
Meaning
Made or done in a sincere and honest way, without any intention to deceive.
Structure
Usage
The company entered into the negotiations in a good-faith effort to reach a fair agreement.
She was acting as a good-faith purchaser, unaware the item had been stolen.
The contract includes a standard good-faith clause requiring both parties to deal honestly with each other.
Etymology
The compound adjective "good-faith" is a relatively modern legal and ethical term built from two foundational English words of ancient lineage. "Good" originates from the Proto-Germanic gōdaz, carrying the core sense of suitability, virtue, and benefit. "Faith" traces back to the Latin fidēs, meaning trust and reliability, itself derived from the Proto-Indo-European root bʰeydʰ- (to trust, persuade). The compound emerged to formally describe actions or intentions characterized by honesty and a sincere commitment to trustworthiness, directly linking the ancient concept of positive virtue ("good") with the principle of trust ("faith"). It serves to legally and morally distinguish sincere conduct from malicious or deceptive intent.
Analysis
- good: From Old English gōd, of Germanic origin. Functions as an adjective describing a positive, virtuous, or beneficial quality. - faith: From Old French feid, from Latin fidēs (trust, faith). Functions as a noun meaning trust, belief, or loyalty.