English Lexicon

Kindness

/ˈkaɪnd.nəs/
nounCEFR A2 (Elementary)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

    "Her kindness to strangers is truly inspiring."
  2. 2

    A kind act.

    "He showed great kindness by helping her with her groceries."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Old English 'cyndnes', meaning 'nativeness, natural disposition, or kind', stemming from 'cynde' (natural, native). Over centuries, the meaning shifted from the state of belonging to a kin or natural group to the behavioral disposition of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

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