kind

kind · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature.

  2. 2.

    Gentle; not harmful or severe.

  3. 3.

    A category of things distinguished by some common characteristic.

  4. 4.

    Character; nature.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    kind of — Somewhat; rather (informal).
  • •
    a kind of — Something like; a type of.
  • •
    in kind — In the same way; with something similar.
  • •
    one of a kind — Unique; the only one like it.
  • •
    nothing of the kind — Not at all like that.
  • •
    two of a kind — Two people or things that are very similar.

Related words

Antonyms: cruel, harsh, mean, unkind
See also: gentle, kin, nice, sort, type
Synonyms: benevolent, caring, compassionate, gentle, nice

Etymology

From Old English gecynde ("natural, native"), from gecynd ("nature, kind, race"). Related to kin and German Kind ("child"). The adjective sense developed from the notion of "natural" to "well-disposed by nature."