engender goodwill

USAGE SUMMARY

"engender goodwill" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the effects of someone's words or actions that generate positive feelings from others. For example, "James's words of appreciation engendered goodwill among his colleagues".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Even though McDonald's declined, the proposal reinforced how a brand can rise above short-sighted self-promotion and align with societal concerns to resonate with consumers and ultimately engender goodwill for the brand.

The Guardian

Suddenly, bucolic communities were cheek-by-jowl with nuclear weapons -- boasting total kiloton yields often larger than the Hiroshima bomb -- a prospect satirized in Max Shulman's 1957 novel "Rally Round the Flag, Boys!" "The Army had a major public relations effort in communities to engender goodwill," Mr. Bender says.

The New York Times

The company hopes such an expansion would engender goodwill among the local smartphone buying public.

TechCrunch

That it donates around the D.C. area is likely an effective use of monetary capital to engender goodwill.

TechCrunch

China watchers in Hong Kong and the Mainland believe the timing of the agreement is designed to engender goodwill on the sixth anniversary of Britain's handover of Hong Kong to China.

Forbes

And beyond customer service, this channel provides a huge opportunity for businesses to deliver ongoing customer care, engender goodwill and engage with their customers in new and creative ways.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

She engendered goodwill in all who came in contact with her, and was regarded with respect and affection by every member of the staff.

The New York Times

The new system also means that locality teams are having their first conversation with people much earlier in the cycle, when they are less likely to be in crisis, nipping problems in the bud and engendering goodwill.

The Guardian

A little goes a long way, and engenders goodwill.

Huffington Post

Offering training of this type engenders goodwill, further solidifying the company's position as an employer of choice and attracting college-minded young people.

Huffington Post

He said he would counsel them to reach out actively to fans, create events they can attend and engender some goodwill while the lockout costs them games.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "engender goodwill", consider the specific actions or qualities that lead to this positive sentiment. Clearly articulating these elements will strengthen your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "engender goodwill" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your language with synonyms like "foster positive relations" or "cultivate favorable sentiment" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engender goodwill" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it describes actions that generate positive feelings or support. For instance, charitable activities or diplomatic efforts are common subjects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "engender goodwill" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes actions or qualities that create positive feelings or support. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While not overly frequent, it is primarily found in news, business, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. To enhance writing, it's advisable to clearly articulate the specific actions that lead to goodwill and to vary your language to avoid repetition. Synonyms like "foster positive relations" or "cultivate favorable sentiment" can provide alternative phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foster positive relations

This alternative emphasizes the nurturing and development of positive relationships, highlighting a more active and ongoing process than simply "engender goodwill".

cultivate favorable sentiment

This alternative stresses the careful and deliberate development of positive feelings, suggesting a more strategic approach to creating goodwill.

promote amicable relationships

This option focuses on the advancement of friendly and harmonious connections, emphasizing the relational aspect of building goodwill.

generate positive regard

This alternative highlights the creation of positive feelings or respect, differing from "engender goodwill" by emphasizing individual feelings of regard.

build rapport

This option emphasizes establishing a connection and mutual understanding, focusing on the foundational aspect of goodwill.

create a positive image

This option focuses on shaping public perception rather than directly fostering goodwill, shifting the emphasis to external presentation.

win favor

This emphasizes gaining approval or support, shifting the focus to achieving a desired outcome through the creation of goodwill.

earn respect

This alternative centers on gaining admiration or esteem, emphasizing the achievement of respect as a result of one's actions or qualities.

encourage positive feelings

This option highlights the act of promoting or stimulating positive emotions, which contributes to the overall sense of goodwill.

inspire confidence

This emphasizes the instilling of trust and assurance, focusing on a specific aspect of goodwill related to reliability and dependability.

FAQs

How can I use "engender goodwill" in a sentence?

Use "engender goodwill" to describe actions or policies that create positive feelings or support. For example, "The company's charitable donations "engendered goodwill" in the local community".

What are some alternatives to "engender goodwill"?

You can use alternatives such as "foster positive relations", "cultivate favorable sentiment", or "build rapport" depending on the specific context.

Is "engender goodwill" formal or informal?

"Engender goodwill" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for professional, news, and academic writing. It is less common in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "engender goodwill" and "create a positive image"?

"Engender goodwill" focuses on creating genuine positive feelings, while "create a positive image" emphasizes shaping public perception, which may not always reflect genuine sentiment.