German word

Gunst

Pronunciation

IPA/gʊnst/

Meaning

  • feminine noungoodwill

Example

Sie genießt seine Gunst.

She enjoys his goodwill.

Illustration for Gunst (goodwill)

More examples

Durch seinen Einsatz gewann er die Gunst der Nachbarn.

Through his efforts, he gained the neighbors' favor.

Core concept

A patron's goodwill opens a door to help, access, or treatment that is not offered equally to everyone.

Common phrases

  • die Gunst gewinnen

    gain favor

  • bei jemandem Gunst finden

    gain someone's favor

  • um die Gunst kämpfen

    compete for favor

Similar words

Begünstigung: The act of giving selected people or groups beneficial treatment.
Wohlwollen: A benevolent attitude that encourages support and cooperation.
Gefälligkeit: A small favor or practical service carried out for another person.

Definition in German

Zuneigung oder wohlwollende Haltung gegenüber einer Person, die sich in Unterstützung oder besonderen Vorteilen äußern kann.

Word origin

The noun Gunst developed from Middle High German gunst, an old Germanic form related to gönnen and the idea of granting favor.

Usage tips

  • Gunst is more formal than everyday words for liking, and "die Gunst der Stunde" means a favorable opportunity rather than personal affection.

Other meanings

  • favornoun

Opposites

  • Missgunstresentmentnoun
  • Gleichgültigkeitindifferencenoun

Related words

  • günstigadvantageousadjective
  • begünstigengive preferential treatmentverb
  • Begünstigungpreferential treatmentnoun

Word lists with this word