greater good

English

Noun

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.

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