Correct spelling for the English word "goodnights" is [ɡʊdnˈa͡ɪts], [ɡʊdnˈaɪts], [ɡ_ʊ_d_n_ˈaɪ_t_s] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Goodnights is a noun which refers to a farewell expression or a phrase used to bid farewell or convey good wishes for the night. It is a plural form of "goodnight", emphasizing a collective or general farewell to a group of people. The term is often used at the end of a social gathering, event, or performance, when people are departing and wishing each other well for the remainder of the evening or the night ahead.
The use of "goodnights" is commonly associated with a formal or polite manner of parting ways. It implies a sense of warmth, camaraderie, and goodwill among the individuals involved. It conveys a sentiment of wanting others to have a pleasant and restful evening.
Additionally, "goodnights" can be used as a stage direction in theatrical scripts, indicating the end of a play or performance. It signifies the completion of the show and prompts the actors to take their final bows and bid farewell to the audience.
Overall, "goodnights" serves as a versatile expression that encompasses both a social greeting and a theatrical indication, all with the intention of wishing others a pleasant night, whether it be in a personal or professional setting.
The word "goodnights" is a plural form of the word "goodnight". The etymology of "goodnight" can be traced back to Middle English. The word "good" comes from Old English "gōd", meaning "virtuous, desirable, pleasant". The word "night" also comes from Old English "niht". Therefore, the combination "goodnight" came to refer to the act of bidding someone a pleasant or virtuous night. The plural form "goodnights" simply refers to multiple instances of saying "goodnight" or multiple good wishes for the night.