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Kindest

 - 4 dictionary results

kind

1  [kahynd]
Use Kindest in a Sentence
–adjective, -er, -est.
1. of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a person: a kind and loving person.
2. having, showing, or proceeding from benevolence: kind words.
3. indulgent, considerate, or helpful; humane (often fol. by to): to be kind to animals.
4. mild; gentle; clement: kind weather.
5. British Dialect. loving; affectionate.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME kind(e) natural, well-disposed, OE gecynde natural, genial 1 . See kind 2

Synonyms:
1. mild, benign, benignant, gentle, tender, compassionate. Kind, gracious, kindhearted, kindly imply a sympathetic attitude toward others, and a willingness to do good or give pleasure. Kind implies a deep-seated characteristic shown either habitually or on occasion by considerate behavior: a kind father. Gracious often refers to kindness from a superior or older person to a subordinate, an inferior, a child, etc.: a gracious monarch. Kindhearted implies an emotionally sympathetic nature, sometimes easily imposed upon: a kindhearted old woman. Kindly, a mild word, refers usually to general disposition, appearance, manner, etc.: a kindly face.

Antonyms:
1. cruel.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Kindest
kind 1   (kīnd)   
adj.   kind·er, kind·est

  1. Of a friendly, generous, or warm-hearted nature.

  2. Showing sympathy or understanding; charitable: a kind word.

  3. Humane; considerate: kind to animals.

  4. Forbearing; tolerant: Our neighbor was very kind about the window we broke.

  5. Generous; liberal: kind words of praise.

  6. Agreeable; beneficial: a dry climate kind to asthmatics.


[Middle English, natural, kind, from Old English gecynde, natural; see genə- in Indo-European roots.]
Synonyms: These adjectives mean having or showing a tender, considerate, and helping nature. Kind and kindly are the least specific: thanked her for her kind letter; a kindly gentleman.
Kindhearted especially suggests an innately kind disposition: a kindhearted teacher.
Benign implies gentleness and mildness: benign intentions; a benign sovereign.
Benevolent suggests charitableness and a desire to promote the welfare or happiness of others: a benevolent contributor.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

kind  (n.)
"class, sort, variety," from O.E. gecynd "kind, nature, race," related to cynn "family" (see kin), from P.Gmc. *gakundiz (see kind (adj.)). Ælfric's rendition of "the Book of Genesis" into O.E. came out gecyndboc. The prefix disappeared 1150-1250. No exact cognates beyond Eng., but it corresponds to adj. endings such as Goth -kunds, O.H.G. -kund. Also as a suffix (mankind, etc.). Other earlier, now obs., senses in Eng. included "character, quality derived from birth" and "manner or way natural or proper to anyone." Use in phrase a kind of (1591) led to colloquial extension as adv. (1804) in phrases such as kind of stupid ("a kind of stupid (person)").
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: kind
Function: noun
1 : a particular type, category, or class kind> —see also LIKE-KIND EXCHANGE
2 a : an unconverted form kind>; broadly : a form other than money kind> —see also IN-KIND b : the equivalent in value kind>
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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