WordGarden.iokind
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈaɪnd/
US
- /ˈkaɪnd/
Meanings
Adjective
caring, generous, and considerate toward others
Noun
a type or sort of person or thing
Beyond the definition
Being kind is more than just being nice. It means showing real care for other people through your words and actions. A kind person listens, helps, and tries not to hurt others. But "kind" also has another common meaning: it can mean a type or sort of something. You might ask, "What kind of music do you like?" or say, "There are many kinds of apples." It is a simple word, but it does two important jobs in English.
Imagine someone like Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. He stays calm, treats people fairly, and tries to understand them. That steady care is one clear picture of what it means to be kind.
The word "kind" holds a beautiful duality. Most commonly, it functions as an adjective describing someone who is gentle, considerate, and compassionate. A kind person shows empathy, offers help willingly, and treats others with respect. It is about acting with warmth and generosity, even when it is difficult. For example: "She was known for her kind heart and willingness to volunteer," or, "He showed a kind gesture by helping the elderly woman carry her groceries."
However, "kind" also functions as a noun used for classification—meaning type, sort, or category. Think of it like sorting objects into groups. You might ask, "What kind of flowers are those?" or describe a difficult task as "a different kind of challenge." This usage isn't about personality; it is simply about identifying the nature or variety of the thing you are discussing.
The origins of the word trace back to the Old English cynd, which referred to "nature," "family," or "lineage." This explains the word's two faces: the "type" meaning comes from sharing a common nature (kin), while the "gentle" meaning evolved from the idea of treating others like family.
So, whether you are describing a person's generous spirit or identifying different varieties of a species, "kind" is a versatile word that speaks to both the heart and the mind—reminding us to be gentle with others and observant of the world around us.
Examples
- 1
Welcoming
She was kind to the new student on his first day.
- 2
Thoughtful action
It was kind of you to call and check on me.
- Patternkind of + person + to do something
a common pattern for talking about a thoughtful action
- 3
Polite request
Could you be kind enough to close the window?
- Usagebe kind enough to do something
a polite way to ask someone to do something
- 4
Friendly gesture
He gave her a kind smile before the interview began.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Type question
What kind of music do you listen to?
- 6
Variety
We sell all kinds of bread, from sourdough to rye.
- 7
Specific need
I need a different kind of help this time.
- 8
Approximate meaning
It felt like a kind of apology, even though he never said sorry.
- Patterna kind of
something like, but not exactly
- 9
Informal degree
I’m kind of tired, so I might go home early.
- Usagekind of
a little; informal
- 10
Unique item
That handmade necklace is one of a kind.
- Phraseone of a kind
unique
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- individual
- specific instance
Do not confuse
- kind adjective
Used with (collocations)
- a kind of
- this kind of
- all kinds of
- one of a kind
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- kindnounadjective
Forms
- kindspluralnounadjective
- kindercomparativeadjectivenoun
- kindestsuperlativeadjectivenoun