Good vs. Evil — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
Good is a positive moral quality associated with virtue, righteousness, and benevolence, while Evil denotes negative moral qualities like malevolence, wickedness, and harm.
Difference Between Good and Evil
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Good and Evil are fundamental concepts found in moral, religious, and philosophical discussions. Good often symbolizes qualities like benevolence, righteousness, and virtue. It represents acts that are morally upright and beneficial to individuals and society. In contrast, Evil embodies malevolence, wickedness, and harmful intentions. It typically signifies actions detrimental to individuals or the greater community.
Throughout history, various cultures have established codes of ethics that determine what is Good and what is Evil. While definitions of Good usually include acts of kindness, compassion, and justice, definitions of Evil encompass deceit, cruelty, and acts that cause undue suffering.
From a linguistic perspective, both Good and Evil can be used as nouns, adjectives, or even adverbs, but the nuances of their usage differ. While "Good" might describe a favorable situation or an admirable person, "Evil" is used to describe malevolent forces or actions that bring about harm or misfortune.
Many philosophical and religious texts ponder the existence, nature, and origin of Good and Evil. These dualistic concepts have been focal points in many spiritual teachings, with some philosophies positing that they coexist in a necessary balance, while others assert that one might eventually triumph over the other.
Comparison Chart
Moral Quality
Positive, beneficial
Negative, detrimental
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Common Associations
Virtue, kindness, righteousness
Wickedness, harm, malevolence
Linguistic Use
Can be a noun, adjective, or adverb describing positivity
Typically a noun or adjective describing negativity
Outcome
Results in happiness, peace, or benefit
Results in suffering, chaos, or harm
Philosophical Stance
Often seen as a desired end goal in moral philosophies
Frequently depicted as something to be overcome or avoided
Compare with Definitions
Good
In most contexts, the concept of good denotes the conduct that should be preferred when posed with a choice between possible actions. Good is generally considered to be the opposite of evil, and is of interest in the study of morality, ethics, religion and philosophy.
Evil
Profoundly immoral.
Corruption is an Evil that plagues many societies.
Good
To be desired or approved of
Good! The more people the better!
A good quality of life
It's good that he's back to his old self
Evil
Evil, in a general sense, is defined by what it is not—the opposite or absence of good. It can be an extremely broad concept, although in everyday usage it is often more narrowly used to talk about profound wickedness.
Good
Having the required qualities; of a high standard
His marks are just not good enough
A good restaurant
Evil
Morally bad or wrong; wicked
An evil tyrant.
Good
Possessing or displaying moral virtue
Her father was a good man
Evil
Causing ruin, injury, or pain; harmful
The evil effects of a poor diet.
Good
Giving pleasure; enjoyable or satisfying
The streets fill up with people looking for a good time
Evil
Characterized by or indicating future misfortune; ominous
Evil omens.
Good
Thorough
Now is the time to have a really good clear-up
Have a good look around
Evil
Bad or blameworthy by report; infamous
An evil reputation.
Good
Valid
The ticket is good for travel from May to September
Evil
Characterized by anger or spite; malicious
An evil temper.
Good
Used in conjunction with the name of God or a related expression as an exclamation of extreme surprise or anger
Good heavens!
Evil
The quality of being morally bad or wrong; wickedness.
Good
That which is morally right; righteousness
A mysterious balance of good and evil
Evil
That which causes harm, misfortune, or destruction
A leader's power to do both good and evil.
Good
Benefit or advantage to someone or something
He is too clever for his own good
He convinces his father to use his genius for the good of mankind
The preservation of old buildings matters because they contribute to the general public good
Evil
An evil force, power, or personification.
Good
Merchandise or possessions
Imports of luxury goods
The market price of an agricultural good
Stolen goods
Evil
Something that is a cause or source of suffering, injury, or destruction
The social evils of poverty and injustice.
Good
Well
I'm feeling pretty good, all things considered
My mother could never cook this good
Evil
In an evil manner.
Good
Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor
A good experience.
Good news from the hospital.
Evil
Intending to harm; malevolent.
An evil plot to brainwash and even kill innocent people
Good
Having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing in a particular thing
A good exterior paint.
A good joke.
Evil
Morally corrupt.
If something is evil, it is never mandatory.
Do you think that companies that engage in animal testing are evil?
Good
Serving the desired purpose or end; suitable
Is this a good dress for the party?.
Evil
Unpleasant, foul (of odour, taste, mood, weather, etc.).
Good
Not spoiled or ruined
The milk is still good.
Evil
Producing or threatening sorrow, distress, injury, or calamity; unpropitious; calamitous.
Good
In excellent condition; sound
A good tooth.
Evil
(obsolete) Having harmful qualities; not good; worthless or deleterious.
An evil beast; an evil plant; an evil crop
Good
Superior to the average; satisfactory
A good student.
Evil
Undesirable; harmful; bad practice.
Global variables are evil; storing processing context in object member variables allows those objects to be reused in a much more flexible way.
Good
Used formerly to refer to the US Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.
Evil
Moral badness; wickedness; malevolence; the forces or behaviors that are the opposite or enemy of good.
The evils of society include murder and theft.
Evil lacks spirituality, hence its need for mind control.
Good
Of high quality
Good books.
Evil
Something which impairs the happiness of a being or deprives a being of any good; something which causes suffering of any kind to sentient beings; harm; injury; mischief.
Good
Discriminating
Good taste.
Evil
(obsolete) A malady or disease; especially in combination, as in king's evil, colt evil.
Good
Of moral excellence; upright
A good person.
Evil
(obsolete) wickedly, evilly, iniquitously
Good
Benevolent; kind
A good soul.
A good heart.
Evil
(obsolete) injuriously, harmfully; in a damaging way.
Good
Loyal; staunch
A good Republican.
Evil
(obsolete) badly, poorly; in an insufficient way.
It went evil with him.
Good
Well-behaved; obedient
A good child.
Evil
Having qualities tending to injury and mischief; having a nature or properties which tend to badness; mischievous; not good; worthless or deleterious; poor; as, an evil beast; and evil plant; an evil crop.
A good tree can not bring forth evil fruit.
Good
Socially correct; proper
Good manners.
Evil
Having or exhibiting bad moral qualities; morally corrupt; wicked; wrong; vicious; as, evil conduct, thoughts, heart, words, and the like.
Ah, what a sign it is of evil life,When death's approach is seen so terrible.
Good
Worthy of respect; honorable
Ruined the family's good name.
Evil
Producing or threatening sorrow, distress, injury, or calamity; unpropitious; calamitous; as, evil tidings; evil arrows; evil days.
Because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel.
The owl shrieked at thy birth - an evil sign.
Evil news rides post, while good news baits.
It almost led him to believe in the evil eye.
Good
Attractive; handsome
Good looks.
Evil
Anything which impairs the happiness of a being or deprives a being of any good; anything which causes suffering of any kind to sentient beings; injury; mischief; harm; - opposed to good.
Evils which our own misdeeds have wrought.
The evil that men do lives after them.
Good
Beneficial to health; salutary
A good night's rest.
Evil
Moral badness, or the deviation of a moral being from the principles of virtue imposed by conscience, or by the will of the Supreme Being, or by the principles of a lawful human authority; disposition to do wrong; moral offence; wickedness; depravity.
The heart of the sons of men is full of evil.
Good
Competent; skilled
A good machinist.
Evil
Malady or disease; especially in the phrase king's evil, the scrofula.
He [Edward the Confessor] was the first that touched for the evil.
Good
Complete; thorough
A good workout.
Evil
In an evil manner; not well; ill; badly; unhappily; injuriously; unkindly.
It went evil with his house.
The Egyptians evil entreated us, and affected us.
Good
Reliable; sure
A good investment.
Evil
Morally objectionable behavior
Good
Valid or true
A good reason.
Evil
That which causes harm or destruction or misfortune;
The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones
Good
Genuine; real
A good dollar bill.
Evil
The quality of being morally wrong in principle or practice;
Attempts to explain the origin of evil in the world
Good
In effect; operative
A warranty good for two years.
A driver's license that is still good.
Evil
Morally bad or wrong;
Evil purposes
An evil influence
Evil deeds
Good
Ready or able for a specified or assumed activity
I'm good for another round of golf.
Evil
Having the nature of vice
Good
Able to pay or contribute
Is she good for the money that you lent her?.
Evil
Tending to cause great harm
Good
Able to elicit a specified reaction
He is always good for a laugh.
Evil
Having or exerting a malignant influence;
Malevolent stars
A malefic force
Good
Ample; substantial
A good income.
Evil
Morally wrong or wicked.
Betraying your friends is an Evil act.
Good
Bountiful
A good table.
Evil
Causing harm or distress.
Natural disasters can bring great Evil.
Good
Full
It is a good mile from here.
Evil
Malicious or malevolent.
He had an Evil intent behind his actions.
Good
Pleasant; enjoyable
Had a good time at the party.
Evil
Unpleasant or disagreeable.
The stench from the garbage was simply Evil.
Good
Propitious; favorable
Good weather.
A good omen.
Good
Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play
The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
Good
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Good
Used to form exclamatory phrases expressing surprise or dismay
Good heavens! Good grief!.
Good
Something that is good.
Good
A good, valuable, or useful part or aspect.
Good
Welfare; benefit
For the common good.
Good
Goodness; virtue
There is much good to be found in people.
Good
A product that is bought and sold
Frozen goods.
Good
Goods Portable personal property.
Good
(used with a sing. or pl. verb) Fabric; material.
Good
Goods(Slang) Incriminating information or evidence
Tried to get the goods on the crook.
Good
Well.
Good
(of people)
Good
Acting in the interest of what is beneficial, ethical, or moral.
Good intentions
Good
Competent or talented.
A good swimmer
Good
Able to be depended on for the discharge of obligations incurred; of unimpaired credit; used with for.
Can you lend me fifty dollars? You know I'm good for it.
Good
Well-behaved (especially of children or animals).
Be good while your mother and I are out.
Were you a good boy for the babysitter?
Good
(US) Satisfied or at ease; not requiring more.
Would you like a glass of water? — I'm good.
[Are] you good? — Yeah, I'm fine.
Gimme another beer! — I think you're good.
Good
Accepting of, OK with
My mother said she's good with me being alone with my date as long as she's met them first.
The soup is rather spicy. Are you good with that, or would you like something else?
Good
(archaic) Of high rank or birth.
Good
(of capabilities)
Good
Useful for a particular purpose; functional.
It’s a good watch;
The flashlight batteries are still good
Good
Effective.
A good worker
Good
(obsolete) Real; actual; serious.
In good sooth
Good
(properties and qualities)
Good
(of food)
Good
Of food or other perishable products, still fit for use; not yet expired, stale, rotten, etc.
The bread is still good.
Good
Valid, of worth, capable of being honoured.
This coupon is good for a free doughnut.
Good
True, valid, of explanatory strength.
This theory still holds good even if much higher temperatures are assumed.
Good
Healthful.
Exercise and a varied diet are good for you.
Good
Pleasant; enjoyable.
We had a good time.
Good
Favourable.
A good omen;
Good weather
Good
Unblemished; honourable.
A person's good name
Good
Beneficial; worthwhile.
A good job
Good
Adequate; sufficient; not fallacious.
Good
Very, extremely. See good and.
The soup is good and hot.
Good
(colloquial) Ready
I'm good when you are.
The reports are good to go.
Good
Holy especially when capitalized .
Good Friday, Good Wednesday, the Good Book
Good
(of quantities)
Good
Reasonable in amount.
All in good time
Good
Large in amount or size.
A good while longer;
A good number of seeds;
A good part of his day was spent shopping.
It will be a good while longer until he's done.
He's had a good amount of troubles, he has.
Good
Full; entire; at least as much as.
This hill will take a good hour and a half to climb.
The car was a good ten miles away.
Good
That is good; an elliptical exclamation of satisfaction or commendation.
Good! I can leave now.
Good
(nonstandard) Well; satisfactorily or thoroughly.
The boy done good. (did well)
Good
(uncountable) The forces or behaviours that are the enemy of evil. Usually consists of helping others and general benevolence.
Good
(countable) A result that is positive in the view of the speaker.
Good
(uncountable) The abstract instantiation of goodness; that which possesses desirable qualities, promotes success, welfare, or happiness, is serviceable, fit, excellent, kind, benevolent, etc.
The best is the enemy of the good.
He is an influence for good on those girls.
Good
An item of merchandise.
Good
To thrive; fatten; prosper; improve.
Good
(transitive) To make good; turn to good; improve.
Good
(intransitive) To make improvements or repairs.
Good
(intransitive) To benefit; gain.
Good
(transitive) To do good to (someone); benefit; cause to improve or gain.
Good
(transitive) To satisfy; indulge; gratify.
Good
(reflexive) To flatter; congratulate oneself; anticipate.
Good
To furnish with dung; manure; fatten with manure; fertilise.
Good
Possessing desirable qualities; adapted to answer the end designed; promoting success, welfare, or happiness; serviceable; useful; fit; excellent; admirable; commendable; not bad, corrupt, evil, noxious, offensive, or troublesome, etc.
And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.
Good company, good wine, good welcome.
Good
Possessing moral excellence or virtue; virtuous; pious; religious; - said of persons or actions.
In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works.
Good
Kind; benevolent; humane; merciful; gracious; polite; propitious; friendly; well-disposed; - often followed by to or toward, also formerly by unto.
The men were very good unto us.
Good
Serviceable; suited; adapted; suitable; of use; to be relied upon; - followed especially by for.
All quality that is good for anything is founded originally in merit.
Good
Clever; skillful; dexterous; ready; handy; - followed especially by at.
He . . . is a good workman; a very good tailor.
Those are generally good at flattering who are good for nothing else.
Good
Adequate; sufficient; competent; sound; not fallacious; valid; in a commercial sense, to be depended on for the discharge of obligations incurred; having pecuniary ability; of unimpaired credit.
My reasons are both good and weighty.
My meaning in saying he is a good man is . . . that he is sufficient . . . I think I may take his bond.
Good
Real; actual; serious; as in the phrases in good earnest; in good sooth.
Love no man in good earnest.
Good
Not small, insignificant, or of no account; considerable; esp., in the phrases a good deal, a good way, a good degree, a good share or part, etc.
Good
Not lacking or deficient; full; complete.
Good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.
Good
Not blemished or impeached; fair; honorable; unsullied; as in the phrases a good name, a good report, good repute, etc.
A good name is better than precious ointment
The good woman never died after this, till she came to die for good and all.
Distinguished by good humor and good breeding.
My father always said I was born to be a good for nothing.
The good nature and generosity which belonged to his character.
The young count's good nature and easy persuadability were among his best characteristics.
The good will of a trade is nothing more than the probability that the old customers will resort to the old place.
Each word made good and true.
Of no power to make his wishes good.
I . . . would by combat make her good.
Convenient numbers to make good the city.
If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear.
Good
That which possesses desirable qualities, promotes success, welfare, or happiness, is serviceable, fit, excellent, kind, benevolent, etc.; - opposed to evil.
There be many that say, Who will show us any good ?
Good
Advancement of interest or happiness; welfare; prosperity; advantage; benefit; - opposed to harm, etc.
The good of the whole community can be promoted only by advancing the good of each of the members composing it.
Good
Wares; commodities; chattels; - formerly used in the singular in a collective sense. In law, a comprehensive name for almost all personal property as distinguished from land or real property.
He hath made us spend much good.
Thy lands and goodsAre, by the laws of Venice, confiscateUnto the state of Venice.
Good
Well, - especially in the phrase as good, with a following as expressed or implied; equally well with as much advantage or as little harm as possible.
As good almost kill a man as kill a good book.
They who counsel ye to such a suppressing, do as good as bid ye suppress yourselves.
Good
To make good; to turn to good.
Good
To manure; to improve.
Good
Benefit;
For your own good
What's the good of worrying?
Good
Moral excellence or admirableness;
There is much good to be found in people
Good
That which is good or valuable or useful;
Weigh the good against the bad
Among the highest goods of all are happiness and self-realization
Good
Having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified;
Good news from the hospital
A good report card
When she was good she was very very good
A good knife is one good for cutting
This stump will make a good picnic table
A good check
A good joke
A good exterior paint
A good secretary
A good dress for the office
Good
Having the normally expected amount;
Gives full measure
Gives good measure
A good mile from here
Good
Morally admirable
Good
Deserving of esteem and respect;
All respectable companies give guarantees
Ruined the family's good name
Good
Promoting or enhancing well-being;
An arms limitation agreement beneficial to all countries
The beneficial effects of a temperate climate
The experience was good for her
Good
Superior to the average;
In fine spirits
A fine student
Made good grades
Morale was good
Had good weather for the parade
Good
Agreeable or pleasing;
We all had a good time
Good manners
Good
Of moral excellence;
A genuinely good person
A just cause
An upright and respectable man
The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous
Good
Having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude;
Adept in handicrafts
An adept juggler
An expert job
A good mechanic
A practiced marksman
A proficient engineer
A lesser-known but no less skillful composer
The effect was achieved by skillful retouching
Good
Thorough;
Had a good workout
Gave the house a good cleaning
Good
With or in a close or intimate relationship;
A good friend
My sisters and brothers are near and dear
Good
Having or showing or arising from a desire to promote the welfare or happiness of others;
His benevolent smile
A benevolent nature
Good
Financially sound;
A good investment
A secure investment
Good
Most suitable or right for a particular purpose;
A good time to plant tomatoes
The right time to act
The time is ripe for great sociological changes
Good
Resulting favorably;
Its a good thing that I wasn't there
It is good that you stayed
It is well that no one saw you
All's well that ends well
Good
Exerting force or influence;
The law is effective immediately
A warranty good for two years
The law is already in effect (or in force)
Good
Feeling healthy and free of aches and pains;
I feel good
Good
Capable of pleasing;
Good looks
Good
Appealing to the mind;
Good music
A serious book
Good
In excellent physical condition;
Good teeth
I still have one good leg
A sound mind in a sound body
Good
Tending to promote physical well-being; beneficial to health;
Beneficial effects of a balanced diet
A good night's sleep
The salutary influence of pure air
Good
Not forged;
A good dollar bill
Good
Not left to spoil;
The meat is still good
Good
Generally admired;
Good taste
Good
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (`good' is a nonstandard dialectal variant for `well');
The children behaved well
A task well done
The party went well
He slept well
A well-argued thesis
A well-planned party
The baby can walk pretty good
Good
In a complete and thorough manner (`good' is sometimes used informally for `thoroughly');
He was soundly defeated
We beat him good
Good
Morally right and virtuous.
Helping others is a Good deed.
Good
Beneficial or favorable.
Regular exercise is Good for health.
Good
Competent or skilled.
She is Good at playing the violin.
Good
Valid or true.
His reasons for leaving were Good.
Good
Satisfactory in quality.
The food at that restaurant is always Good.
Common Curiosities
Is "Good" always positive?
In most contexts, "Good" carries a positive connotation, but its meaning can vary based on context.
Can something be both Good and Evil?
Some philosophies argue that certain actions or intentions can have both Good and Evil aspects.
How are Good and Evil represented in literature?
They're often personified as characters or symbolized through actions and events.
Is the opposition of Good and Evil a universal theme?
Yes, many cultures and religions explore the dichotomy of Good vs. Evil in their teachings and stories.
Is Evil the absence of Good?
Some philosophical and religious beliefs assert this, while others view them as distinct entities.
Does "Evil" always mean morally wrong?
While often associated with moral wrongness, "Evil" can also describe anything profoundly negative or harmful.
Are there shades of Good and Evil?
Many believe in gradations of Good and Evil rather than strict black and white categories.
Do all religions have concepts of Good and Evil?
While most religions address morality, their interpretations of Good and Evil can vary widely.
Are Good and Evil universally defined?
No, definitions of Good and Evil often vary based on cultural, religious, and individual beliefs.
Can "Good" be used as a noun?
Yes, for example, "a force for Good."
Is "Evil" always associated with intentional harm?
Not always. "Evil" can also refer to natural calamities or unfortunate events without intent.
Can Good come out of Evil actions?
Some believe that challenging or negative events can lead to positive outcomes or growth.
Can one's perception of Good and Evil change over time?
Yes, personal experiences and societal influences can shift one's understanding of Good and Evil.
Are Good and Evil subjective?
Often, they are subject to individual interpretation based on personal, cultural, or religious beliefs.
Why are Good and Evil important in storytelling?
They provide conflict, drive character development, and explore fundamental human questions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
