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View synonyms for kindness

kindness

[ kahynd-nis ]

noun

  1. the state or quality of being kind:

    kindness to animals.

    Synonyms: tenderness, compassion, sympathy, charity, generosity, humanity, benevolence, benignity

    Antonyms: malevolence

  2. a kind act; favor:

    his many kindnesses to me.

  3. kind behavior:

    I will never forget your kindness.

    Synonyms: tenderness, compassion, sympathy, charity, generosity, humanity, benevolence, benignity

    Antonyms: cruelty

  4. friendly feeling; liking.


kindness

/ ˈkaɪndnɪs /

noun

  1. the practice or quality of being kind
  2. a kind, considerate, or helpful act


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Other Words From

  • self-kindness noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of kindness1

First recorded in 1250–1300, kindness is from the Middle English word kindenes. See kind 1, -ness

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Idioms and Phrases

see kill with kindness ; milk of human kindness .

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Example Sentences

She is incapable of responding to kindness and enquiry, even very gentle flirting on the part of a co-worker.

Dr. Edwards warns that Dawn is not acting out of the kindness of her heart—but then again, Dr. Edwards is shady as hell, too.

It is the Germans who ride on white horses and surprise us with acts of kindness.

He is to be admired for his kindness and genuine pastoral concern for all the members of his flock.

Spall plays him brilliantly as a grumbling, grunting beast of a man whose sensitivity and kindness emerges slowly.

Am I not in France—gay, delightful France—partaking of the kindness and civility of the country?

She was delighted by your brilliant talk and sense of humour, but still more delighted by your cordiality and kindness.

The people of the valley were to know that their kindness had cheered me, but of their pity I wanted none.

Monsieur le Maire,” said he, “I should like to examine the premises, and beg that you will have the kindness to accompany me.

Confiding in the accustomed largess and kindness of your Majesty, we shall say no more.

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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