kind

¹kind

noun \ˈkīnd\

Definition of KIND

1

a archaic : nature

b archaic : family, lineage

2

archaic : manner

3

: fundamental nature or quality : essence

4

a : a group united by common traits or interests : category

b : a specific or recognized variety <what kind of car do you drive>

c : a doubtful or barely admissible member of a category <a kind of gray>

5

a : goods or commodities as distinguished from money <payment in kind>

b : the equivalent of what has been offered or received

— all kinds of

1

: many <likes all kinds of sports>

2

: plenty of <has all kinds of time>

Examples of KIND

1. hawks and other birds of that kind
2. In this city, you'll find many kinds of people.
3. I like to try different kinds of food.
4. She described the color as a kind of red.
5. I think he's an accountant, financial adviser, or something of that kind.

Origin of KIND

Middle English kinde, from Old English cynd; akin to Old English cynn kin

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to KIND

Synonyms

breed, class, description, feather, genre, ilk, kidney, sort, like, manner, nature, order, species, strain, stripe, type, variety

Related Words

model; sample, specimen; bracket, bunch, category, division, family, grade, group, grouping, lot, persuasion, rank(s), set, suite

See Synonym Discussion at type

Rhymes with KIND

bind, blind, find, grind, hind, mind, rind, signed, spined, tined, wind, wynd

²kind

adjective

Definition of KIND

1

chiefly dialect : affectionate, loving

2

a : of a sympathetic or helpful nature

b : of a forbearing nature : gentle

c : arising from or characterized by sympathy or forbearance <a kind act>

3

: of a kind to give pleasure or relief

Examples of KIND

1. A kind old woman took the cat in and nursed it back to health.
2. It was very kind of you to show me the way.
3. Thank you for your kind words.

First Known Use of KIND

14th century

Related to KIND

Synonyms

attentive, considerate, thoughtful, solicitous

Antonyms

heedless, inconsiderate, thoughtless, unthinking

Related Words

brotherly, good, good-hearted, helpful, hospitable, kindhearted, kindly, neighborly, nice; caring, compassionate, sympathetic, tender; chivalrous, courteous, courtly, gallant, gracious, polite; diplomatic, tactful; deferential, dutiful, obliging, regardful, respectful; altruistic, beneficent, benevolent, benignant, humane, selfless, unselfish; charitable, generous, magnanimous

Near Antonyms

inattentive, uncaring, unheeding; inhospitable, unkind, unkindly; ill-bred, ill-mannered, impolite, rude, uncivil, unmannerly; unhelpful; malevolent, malicious, mean, spiteful