英和和英

名詞

greater good

1. The benefit of the public, of more people than a singular person or a small amount of people (especially if it requires some expense or sacrifice).

   Cutting pensions is for the greater good of all citizens.

   • 1740, George Turnbull, The Principles of Moral Philosophy: In Two Volumes, volume II, London: J. Noon, page 49:

     Moral powers therefore, and their improvements, must be the chief object of that infinitely good being's care and concern, whole scope in creating is the greater good of the whole.

   • 1824, Luke, “The self-denial of the Lord Jesus Christ”, in The Christian Magazine, volume I, Providence: Barnum Field, page 183:

     They are perfectly satisfied with the greater good for which they sacrifice the less good.