Gesture of Goodwill
A “gesture of goodwill” is an action intended to show friendly, helpful, or cooperative feelings, especially where there has been difficulty or disagreement. The phrase describes the purpose or social meaning of the action rather than a legally fixed type of remedy.
A “gesture of goodwill” is something done to show friendliness, helpful intent, or a wish to improve relations, often after a problem or disagreement.
Key details
Further guidance
Context Boundary
The expression can describe a refund, concession, apology, favor, or other action depending on context; the phrase itself does not specify one required form.
Contextual Examples
The hotel refunded one night as a gesture of goodwill after the booking problem.
As a gesture of goodwill, the two teams agreed to share the meeting room while the dispute was being resolved.
History Boundary
This guide publishes the supported current meaning and usage boundary without making an unsupported first-use or coinage claim.
Meaning
Use the phrase when the action is meant to demonstrate cooperation, friendliness, or an effort to improve relations.
Meaning Boundary
The phrase describes the social purpose of an action; it does not by itself create a particular legal remedy or guarantee that the other party accepts the gesture.
Practical Use
Use “gesture of goodwill” for an action intended to show friendliness, cooperation, helpful intent, or a wish to repair relations after difficulty or disagreement.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Goodwill gesture — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Dictionary definition and usage of “goodwill gesture,” including “gesture of goodwill” wording