kind1 nounkind2 adjective
kindkind1 /kaɪnd/ ●●● S1 W1 noun 
WORD ORIGINkind1
Origin:
Old English cyndEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Ben's not the marrying kind.
- corruption of the worst kind
- They had a few bags in the store, but they weren't the right kind.
- He was a kind of genius, and he suffered.
- In the past, I would have shared this kind of thing with Nick.
- One stumbling block can be the kind of computer you own.
- The writer is engaged in a kind of vicarious interaction with a presumed reader and anticipates and provides for likely reactions.
- Then I saw the teeth marks were kind of big.
- There is a great deal of truth in this general argument; inequalities of this kind have been reduced.
- What kind of material is the box usually made of?
THESAURUS
one member of a group of people or things that have similar features or qualities. Type is the usual word to use in scientific or technical contexts. In everyday English, people usually use kind or sort: · What type of fish is this?· There are two main personality types.
a type of person or thing. Kind is less formal than type, and is used especially in everyday English: · What kind of food do you like?· There were all kinds of people there.· The study is the first of its kind in Ireland.
especially British English a type of person or thing. Sort is less formal than type, and is used especially in everyday British English: · What sort of person is she?· I like all sorts of music.
one type of something from all the ones that are possible – used especially when things have different physical characteristics, or in certain fixed phrases: · There are many forms of heart disease.· Melanoma is a form of skin cancer.· The first primitive life forms consumed various materials, including hydrogen sulfide, and released oxygen.· In those days, horses were the commonest form of transport.· We need to use alternative forms of energy.· a popular form of entertainment
a type that is slightly different from others in the same group: · The French make many varieties of cheese.· This is a new variety of apple.
a type of plant or animal, which can breed together to produce plants or animals of the same type: · These forests contain many species of trees.· The giant panda is an endangered species.
formal used when talking about a particular type of thing: · Many people find it embarrassing to discuss problems of a sexual nature.· Minor incidents of this nature normally occur about once a month.
a group of people or things that are all of the same type – used when there is a clear system for deciding which group something belongs to: · The three major categories of rock are: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.· She won the best actress category at the Oscars.
used when talking about the particular way that someone does something or thinks about something, when this is very different from that of other people: · She has her own special brand of humour.· He has called for a more positive brand of politics.
formal a type of art, music, literature etc. that has a particular style or feature: · He has written novels in several genres, most notably science fiction.
one member of a group of people or things that have similar features or qualities. Type is the usual word to use in scientific or technical contexts. In everyday English, people usually use kind or sort: · What type of fish is this?· There are two main personality types.
a type of person or thing. Kind is less formal than type, and is used especially in everyday English: · What kind of food do you like?· There were all kinds of people there.· The study is the first of its kind in Ireland.
especially British English a type of person or thing. Sort is less formal than type, and is used especially in everyday British English: · What sort of person is she?· I like all sorts of music.
one type of something from all the ones that are possible – used especially when things have different physical characteristics, or in certain fixed phrases: · There are many forms of heart disease.· Melanoma is a form of skin cancer.· The first primitive life forms consumed various materials, including hydrogen sulfide, and released oxygen.· In those days, horses were the commonest form of transport.· We need to use alternative forms of energy.· a popular form of entertainment
a type that is slightly different from others in the same group: · The French make many varieties of cheese.· This is a new variety of apple.
a type of plant or animal, which can breed together to produce plants or animals of the same type: · These forests contain many species of trees.· The giant panda is an endangered species.
formal used when talking about a particular type of thing: · Many people find it embarrassing to discuss problems of a sexual nature.· Minor incidents of this nature normally occur about once a month.
a group of people or things that are all of the same type – used when there is a clear system for deciding which group something belongs to: · The three major categories of rock are: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.· She won the best actress category at the Oscars.
used when talking about the particular way that someone does something or thinks about something, when this is very different from that of other people: · She has her own special brand of humour.· He has called for a more positive brand of politics.
formal a type of art, music, literature etc. that has a particular style or feature: · He has written novels in several genres, most notably science fiction.
Longman Language Activatorkind someone who is kind tries to help people and make them happy or comfortable, and shows that they care about them: · Everyone loved Mary. She was the kindest, most generous person in the world.kind to: · He's a good brother. He's always been kind to me.it is kind of somebody (to do something): · "Karen gave me a lift to the station." "That was kind of her."
kind behaviour: · What this child needs is a little love and kindness.· She was touched by this simple act of kindness.kindness to: · I shall never forget her kindness to me.
especially spoken someone who is nice is kind and friendly, and often helpful: · I've got a nice boss, and the pay's good.· "She offered to pay for everything." "That was a nice gesture."nice to: · Why can't they just be nice to each other?it is nice of somebody (to do something): · It was nice of them to invite us.
someone who is considerate or thoughtful thinks about other people's feelings and tries to do things that will make them happy or comfortable: · Louis was always considerate towards other people.it is considerate/thoughtful of somebody (to do something): · It was considerate of them to warn us that they might be late.· "I didn't phone this afternoon. I thought you might be resting." "That was very thoughtful of you."
if you are good to someone, especially someone who is old, young, sick etc, you are kind to them and give them what they need: good to: · My stepfather's always been very good to me and treated me like one of his own children.it is good of somebody (to do something): · It's good of you to see me at such short notice.
someone who is gentle is nice and kind, and is never angry or violent: · My father was a professional boxer, but at home with the family he was always quiet and gentle.· a sweet, gentle girl who wouldn't hurt a fly
if you say that someone's heart is in the right place, you mean that they do not always do the right thing, but they are basically a good, kind person: · He can be rude and bad-tempered sometimes, but his heart's in the right place.
kind to people who have problems or difficulties if someone is sympathetic when you are having problems, they say kind things to you and show that they feel sad about your situation: · Why don't you talk to Elizabeth? She's always sympathetic.· My friends were extremely sympathetic when they heard I'd lost my job.· Noticing my embarrassment, the teacher gave me a sympathetic smile.
an understanding person is kind and patient when someone has a problem, and does not get angry with them or criticize them: · I'm sorry I've been so bad-tempered lately. Anyway, thank you for being so understanding.· Irene often has to take time off work. Fortunately she has a very understanding boss.
someone who is compassionate wants to help people who are suffering or having problems: · Alice was a compassionate woman who wanted to save children from violence and poverty.· We must try to create a more caring, more compassionate society.
loving and sympathetic, especially so that you want to help people close to you when they are in trouble: · Sharon was lucky to have such caring parents at a time when she needed help.· It is possible for men to be tough and, at the same time, caring and sensitive.
someone who is kind-hearted has a kind and sympathetic character: · Being a kind-hearted woman, she felt sorry for the poor child.· I wouldn't have helped him at all, but then I'm not as kind-hearted as you.
informal someone who will listen sympathetically when you tell them about your problems: · Remember, I'm always here if you need a shoulder to cry on.
to treat someone very kindly or too kindly to treat someone, especially a child, too kindly and give them everything they want whether they should have it or not, so that they behave badly: · You're spoiling that kid. He's getting cheeky and selfish.spoil somebody rotten (=spoil someone very much): · Danny was her favourite grandson and she spoiled him rotten.
to look after a person or animal very kindly, and spend a lot of time trying to make them happy and comfortable, sometimes in a way that is not good for their health or character: · She really pampers that dog - it's even got its own little bed next to hers.pamper yourself: · Take some time out to pamper yourself with an aromatherapy massage.
British to look after someone very well and pay a lot of attention to them: · When I came out of hospital and got back home, everyone made a great fuss of me and I loved it.· My sister was jealous because Dad made such a fuss of me.· I enjoyed having people fussing over me - it made me feel important.
completely different from anyone or anything else different, special, or unusual and the only one of its kind: · The book is certainly very rare, and possibly unique.· the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islandsunique among: · The power of speech makes the human race unique among animals.
something that is distinctive has a special feature or appearance that makes it different from other things, and makes it easy to recognize: · Male birds have distinctive blue and yellow markings.· Whatever you think of Larkin's poetry, it's certainly distinctive.distinctive feature (of something): · The most distinctive feature of the building is its enormous dome-shaped roof.
if something is the only one of its kind , it is the only one that exists: · The 22-bedroomed clinic will be the only one of its kind in Ireland.
someone or something that is one of a kind is different because they are the only one to exist or be made: · Marilyn Monroe was one of a kind. There's no such thing as 'the new Monroe'.· Each tile is a work of art, guaranteed one of a kind by the handprint of its maker.
an individual style, way of doing things etc is different from anyone else's and is often fairly unusual: · Every baby has its own, individual personality.· a tennis player with a completely individual stylehighly individual: · She dresses in a highly individual way.
especially British to be so different or unusual that people cannot expect to find anything or meet anyone like them again: · I was really upset when I lost that hat. It was a one-off -- I'll never find another like it.· Doug's achieved a lot with very limited resources. There's no doubt that he's a one-off.
to not like something or someone · John doesn't like garlic.· Why did you invite Claire? You know I don't like her.not like doing something · My girlfriend doesn't like camping.· I don't like walking home alone at night.not like something/somebody very much · Mum didn't like Mark very much when she first met him.
written to think someone or something is very unpleasant: · Eldridge was a quiet man who disliked social occasions.· She now seriously disliked her former friend.dislike doing something: · I dislike having to get up so early in the morning.dislike somebody/something intensely (=dislike them very much): · Muriel disliked Paul intensely.
spoken to think that something is not very good or that someone is not very good at something: · You don't think much of Carol, do you?· The hotel was okay, though I didn't think much of the food.· I don't think much of The Beatles, to be quite honest.
British informal to not like something, although you do not think it is very bad or very unpleasant: · Actually, I'm not very keen on modern art.· George had never been particularly fond of small children.
if someone is not your type , they are not the kind of person you usually like or enjoy being with: · Rob isn't her type at all.· "What do you think of Michael?" "He looks a bit rough - he's not really my type."
also not be somebody's cup of tea British informal to not be the kind of thing that you enjoy - use this about activities, films, books etc: · Tennis is not my thing.· Horror films aren't really my cup of tea.
use this to say that something is not the type of thing that you like or that you think is good: · It seems that the music wasn't exactly to his taste.· The food wasn't really to my liking - it all tasted rather salty.
to dislike a person, their attitude, or their behaviour and have no respect for them: · I've no time for that kind of attitude.· My father had no time for complainers.· He has no time for players who aren't completely dedicated.
to be unwilling to accept a particular situation, suggestion, or type of behaviour, because you think it is annoying: · Nancy doesn't take kindly to being corrected.· He didn't take very kindly to being disturbed in the middle of the night.
to have similar characters or interests if two people are two of a kind , they are very similar to each other in character or behaviour: · You're two of a kind, you and Doug - you can never be serious for even one minute!· They were two of a kind, both proud and stubborn, both hated by the community.
two or more people who have a lot in common share similar interests, attitudes, tastes etc: · We like the same things and the same people. I think we have a lot in common.· You two have so much in common. You should be able to find a way to talk about things without fighting.
a type of person or thing a group of things or people that are similar to each other in some way, or a thing or person that belongs to such a group. Kind and sort are more common than type in spoken English. Use type when you are talking about technical subjects or when you are describing something in an exact way: · I'll get you some ice-cream. What kind would you like?type/kind/sort of: · The floor was made of three different types of wood.· What sort of fish is this?· "What type of music do you like?" "Mainly dance music and some indie."· She's the kind of person you can always rely on.· There are two sorts of politician - the ones who really want to help people, and the ones who just want power.of this/that type etc: · Accidents of this type are extremely common.· It's a club for writers and actors and people of that sort.of various/many/different types etc: · They export farming machinery and tools of various kinds.
a particular type of building, art, literature, music etc: · The new library is a blend of various architectural styles.style of: · a completely new style of painting
a group that people or things of the same type are divided into for a particular purpose - use this when there are several groups and there is a clear system for deciding which group something belongs to: · Emma Thompson won an Oscar in the Best Actress category.· The novels are divided up into three categories: historical, romantic, and crime.category of: · Insurance companies identify six main categories of driver.
a number of people or things that are considered as being of the same group because they have the same physical features, qualities etc: class of: · French is one of a class of languages known as the Romance languages.· Doctors are reluctant to prescribe a new class of drugs, especially ones which need to be taken for long periods of time.
a type of thing that is different from another similar type: variety of: · The French make many varieties of cheese, from both cows' and goats' milk.· At that time, all newsreaders spoke a variety of English spoken in southern England, known as Received Pronunciation.
formal a type of literature, film, or work of art: · Science fiction as a genre is relatively new.· Italian filmmakers made their own versions of the classic Hollywood genres - the western, the gangster film, the musical.
a form of something is one type of it of all the ones that are possible: form of: · Melanoma is a form of skin cancer.· Britain has a constitutional form of government.· Sugar in chocolate and other forms of confectionery is one of the major causes of tooth decay.
a particular type of thing: of a political/historical/technical/scientific/sexual nature : · The support being given is primarily of a practical nature.· books of an erotic natureof a different/similar nature: · On the plains the farmers have to deal with frequent floods, but up in the hills their problems are of a different nature. of that nature: · Children at this age commonly refer to being eaten up by tigers and lions and things of that nature.be in the nature of something (=to be like something): · The cruise was to be in the nature of a "rest cure".
of that type, his type etc - use this especially about types that you do not like or respect: · Environmentalists, feminists, and others of that ilk regularly try to drive shows like this off the air.· Desserts ($5) were of the tiramisu, crème brûlée, chocolate torte ilk.
especially spoken of the type that you have just been talking about: · The children need new pens and pencils and things like that.· People like that really annoy me.· I'm not sure what to do. I've never been in a situation like this before.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadjectives
There are many different types of fabric. David was not the sort of person who found it easy to talk about his feelings. We can hopefully reach some kind of agreement.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· He’s done all kinds of work.
· I’d like to see you make the same kind of effort in practice that you make in the game.
· Fossils of many different kinds have been found in this site.
· It wasn’t the right kind of holiday for me.
· Not knowing what had happened to her was the worst kind of torture.
· Carved into the stone was some kind of design.
· There was no television, no radio – no technology of any kind.
· The students had to read various kinds of academic materials.
· A ‘besom’ is a particular kind of broom.
phrases· It is the biggest centre of its kind.
· How can we be sure a disaster of this kind will not happen again?
· This is hypocrisy of the worst kind.
· What kind of milk shake would you like?
· He usually wears trainers and jeans, that kind of thing.
· In a funny kind of way, the bullying made me a stronger person.
adverbs· This was precisely the kind of help that she needed.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES There are many different types of fabric. (=a kind character)· My father had a good heart.
· It gives me great pleasure to accept your kind invitation.
· We are grateful for your kind offer.· They were surprised by his generous offer to let them stay at his place.
formal (=used for thanking someone for allowing something)· This photograph is reproduced by kind permission of Country Living.
David was not the sort of person who found it easy to talk about his feelings. We can hopefully reach some kind of agreement.· His most striking proposition to the lay reader is that human beings are genetically programmed to learn certain kinds of language.· The statewide budget would be distributed by region and broken down further into budgets for certain kinds of medical care.· In these fields, we are not even certain what kind of solution we are seeing.· Fears, however, warn an organization against certain kinds of activity.· Cultural capital is based on time invested in obtaining certain kinds of knowledge.· But he has not fought certain kinds of battles.· Weaver shows, for example, that a certain peculiar kind of process is occurring when public enterprise objectives are being determined.· You grow apart from certain kind of shows.
· For example, applying this analysis to mental and different kinds of practical tests produces the following scheme shown in Table 2.1.· But, as a different kind of city than ever before, it will survive.· These different kinds of interaction will be discussed in turn.· But it was a different kind of pollution.· What he should say is' I have several different kinds of logical object in my document.· Such an obligation seems to be a factor different in kind from any considered so far.· Why do we have different kinds of equity?
· As part of this a rather different kind of social survey emerged and with it new kinds of data.· They needed a new kind of network, not the switched kind that was trendy at the time.· The first time, Dot cried out at this new kind of hurt.· Some people felt that machines exercised a new kind of tyrannical power over them.· In some cases, quite new kinds of source material will become practical.· Slowly, quietly, far from the public spotlight, new kinds of public institutions are emerging.· Commodore have ingeniously integrated established technology to create the appearance of a new kind of multimedia system.
· What other kind of lexical sub-system might be accessed when one reads a word aloud?· Plants, animals, and fungi have eukaryotic cells, containing distinct nuclei and several other kinds of organelle.· She seldom has any other kind.· Possible foods include leaves from various trees and from other kinds of plant.· My account of deixis is such that the methodology could be applied to other kinds of discourse, both literary and non-literary.· The habit of moving around in large groups is much commoner in fish than in other kinds of animals.· The detailed analyses they make of unconscious significations can stop them from considering any other kind of explanation.· The other kind of reason is the substantive one.
· The commended approach to teaching strategies was highly partisan in respect of the particular kinds of practice which were endorsed.· You can tell immediately the particular kind of scientist in an office by the maps outside the door.· The flux, the flow, the drifting balance of our days needs a particular kind of patience.· She may require that her daughter be a particular kind of person because she can not see her as a separate individual.· Once a particular kind of stone was recognized as precious it tended to remain so.· Years ago we used to do a particular kind of experiment in the psychology laboratories.· Each place will tend to support a particular kind of instrument, depending on geographical factors and the available flora and fauna.· Again, it appears that contexts of a particular kind must be avoided if the test is to succeed.
· Once problems have actually arisen help of various kinds may supply a remedy or at least forestall something worse.· Mixing various kinds of fonts, and sizes of fonts, on a single page.· Dialogues, drills, pronunciation exercises on cassette. each unit introduces a situation on which various kinds of language practice are based.· The regularities in human social relations are defined by rule structures of various kinds.· The increase may have come about through various kinds of gene duplication.· Fungi of various kinds are always present in the bodies of healthy people.· It has regularly attracted research studentships of various kinds, and provides a stimulating research environment.· Always have others read over your material in order to identify gaps, flaws and oversights of various kinds.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► in kind► the kind► somebody’s kind of person/thing/place etc► kind ofPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► all sorts/kinds of wrong/crazy etc► would you be good/kind enough to do something?► not the marrying kind
1[countable, uncountable] one of the different types of a person or thing that belong to the same group SYN sort, typekind of- Andrus and he are two of a kind.
- I want three of a kind.
- In one way, he and Dolly were two of a kind.
- They were two of a kind - extroverted and fun-loving.
- They were two of a kind, people said.
- You and Lady Lavinia, you are two of a kind.
- You and me, we're three of a kind.
- You have to rotate the trays and try to catch two of a kind consecutively.
- This Persian carpet is one of a kind.
- Another comment was that the distinction: inside/outside reminded one of a kind of depersonalised network analysis.
- Each Keymer clay tile is a work of art, guaranteed one of a kind by the handprint of its maker.
- Since his patterns were often one of a kind, he relied little on machinery.
- Certainly Hannah Mitchell wished something of the kind had existed to give her advice on childrearing.
- I still had five, and I had rather expected something of the kind might happen.
- Rosa felt such shock, although she told herself she should have expected something of the kind.
- The news provoked among Zuwaya an instant recognition of necessary truth: they had always suspected something of the kind.
- When something of that kind comes on to the market it creates a storm.
- But nothing of the kind has happened.
- Even apparent moves by the regime to resolve the crisis turn out on closer inspection to be nothing of the kind.
- However, we have done nothing of the kind!
- In reality, of course, Pooley had done nothing of the kind.
- It's possible that I might have, but I can assure you I did nothing of the kind.
- It does nothing of the kind.
- Of course, nothing of the kind turns up.
- She had denied anything of the kind to the police but it was real enough.
- A flutter of a kind, in the chest, then the shoulder blades.
- His voice was kind, but the wrong kind of kind, too impersonal.
- In part two: Four of a kind ... Durnin plays the winning hand as United come up trumps against Luton.
- Indeed, in the range of kinds of organisations recognisably co-operative, it must be placed at the extreme.
- Lovers of a kind, cats of a kind, they would have shown their claws.
- Social reform might assist such a victory, but it had to be of a kind which the Lords would not reject.
- The radical differences will be of a variety of kinds.
- You have to rotate the trays and try to catch two of a kind consecutively.
- A polymer forms over the marks and shows them up in a kind of 3-D relief.
- And the home office is full of good intentions that lead to a kind of business hell.
- And yet, that lifetime was a kind of scale model for what followed.
- In doing so, it acts as a kind of analysis of this conflict.
- In spite of its superb production values, Granta remains a kind of up-market Reader's Digest.
- There was a kind of peace about it.
- There was just a kind of suspicious boredom.
- Yet the reading appeared to bring Emilia a kind of doleful peace.
- After that, they subjected me to all kinds of examinations and procedures.
- At that special level all sorts of odd things happened..
- Damaged anemones are open to all sorts of bacterial diseases which can be fatal.
- No one company offers the best or worst deals in all countries or for all types of car.
- Now here was Lisa, claiming her innocence, claiming all sorts of prosecutorial abuse.
- Now, all kinds of marvellous technologies are used to read the message of the nucleic acids.
- Producers are obstructed by governments in all sorts of ways, but enterprises are, by and large, private.
- There are all sorts of machines being developed to upgrade security.
- George did not like being firm with Lennie but he knew that he had to be cruel to be kind.
- So now I've got to be cruel to be kind.
- You've got to be cruel to be kind, and dismantling the Dome would be the best solution for everybody.
- You have to be cruel to be kind.
- But nothing of the sort happens.
- Even apparent moves by the regime to resolve the crisis turn out on closer inspection to be nothing of the kind.
- In reality, of course, Pooley had done nothing of the kind.
- It is nothing of the kind.
- It sounds unkind, but nothing of the sort was ever remotely true of Borg.
- Maggie expected him to look annoyed but he did nothing of the sort.
- Uncle Allen remembered nothing of the sort.
- But, it, it is kind of funny.
- So it is kind of coming home and a change of focus.
- The idea of it is kind of cute: This little Frank guy is trying to find candy.
- Complaints about payment in kind or in truck were persistent in many parts of the country.
- Secondly, it is often argued that farm workers are compensated for their low wages by a cornucopia of payments in kind.
- Self-sufficiency, payment in kind and living-in service were all shrinking.
- The advantage of payment in kind becomes obvious.
They sell all kinds of things. The flowers attract several different kinds of insects. Greg was working on some kind of deal in Italy. Get me a sandwich – any kind will do.2the kind used to describe a person with a particular character, feelings, opinions etc: Ted just isn’t the marrying kind. Rob isn’t the kind to worry.3somebody’s kind of person/thing/place etc the type of person, thing, place etc that someone usually likes: It’s not my kind of place – it’s too quiet.4kind of (also kinda American English) spoken slightly but not exactly, or in some ways SYN sort of: I’m kind of glad I didn’t win. He’s kinda dumb, isn’t he?5a kind of (a) something spoken used to say that your description of something is not exact: a kind of reddish-brown color6two/three etc of a kind two, three etc people or things that are very similar: You and Joe are two of a kind.7one of a kind the only one of a particular type of thing: Each plate is handpainted and one of a kind.8something of the/that kind spoken something similar to what was expected or talked about: Rosa was shocked by the news, although she had suspected something of the kind might happen.9nothing/anything of the kind spoken used to emphasize that what has been said is not true: I never said anything of the kind!10of a kind used to say that something is not as good as it should be: Elections of a kind are held, but there is only one party to vote for.11in kind reacting to something someone has done by doing the same thing: After recent bombings, counter-terrorist forces could retaliate in kind. → payment in kind at payment(3)COLLOCATIONSadjectivesall kinds/every kind· He’s done all kinds of work.the same kind· I’d like to see you make the same kind of effort in practice that you make in the game.a different kind· Fossils of many different kinds have been found in this site.the right/wrong kind· It wasn’t the right kind of holiday for me.the best/worst kind· Not knowing what had happened to her was the worst kind of torture.some kind· Carved into the stone was some kind of design.any kind· There was no television, no radio – no technology of any kind.various kinds· The students had to read various kinds of academic materials.a certain/particular kind· A ‘besom’ is a particular kind of broom.phrasesof its/their kind· It is the biggest centre of its kind.of this kind· How can we be sure a disaster of this kind will not happen again?of the worst/best etc kind· This is hypocrisy of the worst kind.what kind (of something)?· What kind of milk shake would you like?that kind of thing· He usually wears trainers and jeans, that kind of thing.in a funny/strange etc kind of way· In a funny kind of way, the bullying made me a stronger person.adverbsprecisely/exactly the kind· This was precisely the kind of help that she needed.kind1 nounkind2 adjective
kindkind2 ●●● S3 W3 adjective (comparative kinder, superlative kindest) WORD ORIGINkind2
Origin:
Old English gecynde ‘natural’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Karen gave me a lift to the station." "That was kind of her."
- Everyone loved Mary. She was the kindest, most generous person in the world.
- He's a good brother. He's always been kind to me.
- That was such a kind thing to say.
- Your great-aunt Olga was a very kind woman.
- But she accepted that the Colonel was a kind man.
- Coronado was a far kinder conquistador than his ruthless contemporaries Pizarro and De Soto, but he was equally obsessed with gold.
- Even the thought of sharing a bed with him didn't seem so threatening when he was being kind.
- I was with them a week and they were kind to me.
- She looks a little disappointed when she sees us close up but is too kind to say so.
- There is still some, but it is kinder, gentler and rarer.
THESAURUS
someone who is kind tries to help people and make them happy or comfortable, and shows that they care about them: · They were very kind to us and let us stay in their house as long as we liked.· a kind old lady· a kind thing to say
especially spoken friendly and kind. Nice is very common in everyday spoken English and is often used instead of kind: · Everyone has been so nice to me.· It’s nice of you to invite me here.· He seems such a nice man.
kind because you give people money, presents etc: · ‘I’ll pay for the meal.’ ‘That’s very generous of you.’· a generous gift
thinking about other people’s feelings, and careful not to do anything that will upset them: · Our neighbours are very considerate and always keep their TV turned down.· a considerate driver· He’s always very polite and considerate to his guests.
thinking of things you can do to make other people happy or feel good – used especially when someone does something such as giving someone a present or helping someone: · It was thoughtful of you to send him a card.· Some thoughtful person had taken her bag to the lost property office.
kind and wanting to help and look after people: · She’s lucky to have such a loving and caring husband.· The British are well-known for their caring attitude toward animals.
saying kind things to someone who has problems and behaving in a way that shows you care about them: · My boss was very sympathetic and said I should take some time off work.· She gave him a sympathetic smile.
kind and showing that you want to help – used especially in the following phrases: · It was good of you to come and see me.· She’s always been very good to us.
informal very kind – used especially when you like someone very much, or you are very pleased because of something they have done: · I was given the flowers by a sweet little old lady who lived next door.· It’s sweet of you to ask.· a sweet thing to say
especially written having a kind and friendly character, which makes other people like you: · He was a wonderful father, kind-hearted and always laughing.· The town is full of warm-hearted, helpful people.
formal kind and wanting to help people – often used about someone who is important or who people respect: · a benevolent ruler· They believe in the existence of a benevolent God who will save mankind.· He listened politely, like some benevolent uncle.
Longman Language Activatorkind someone who is kind tries to help people and make them happy or comfortable, and shows that they care about them: · Everyone loved Mary. She was the kindest, most generous person in the world.kind to: · He's a good brother. He's always been kind to me.it is kind of somebody (to do something): · "Karen gave me a lift to the station." "That was kind of her."
kind behaviour: · What this child needs is a little love and kindness.· She was touched by this simple act of kindness.kindness to: · I shall never forget her kindness to me.
especially spoken someone who is nice is kind and friendly, and often helpful: · I've got a nice boss, and the pay's good.· "She offered to pay for everything." "That was a nice gesture."nice to: · Why can't they just be nice to each other?it is nice of somebody (to do something): · It was nice of them to invite us.
someone who is considerate or thoughtful thinks about other people's feelings and tries to do things that will make them happy or comfortable: · Louis was always considerate towards other people.it is considerate/thoughtful of somebody (to do something): · It was considerate of them to warn us that they might be late.· "I didn't phone this afternoon. I thought you might be resting." "That was very thoughtful of you."
if you are good to someone, especially someone who is old, young, sick etc, you are kind to them and give them what they need: good to: · My stepfather's always been very good to me and treated me like one of his own children.it is good of somebody (to do something): · It's good of you to see me at such short notice.
someone who is gentle is nice and kind, and is never angry or violent: · My father was a professional boxer, but at home with the family he was always quiet and gentle.· a sweet, gentle girl who wouldn't hurt a fly
if you say that someone's heart is in the right place, you mean that they do not always do the right thing, but they are basically a good, kind person: · He can be rude and bad-tempered sometimes, but his heart's in the right place.
kind to people who have problems or difficulties if someone is sympathetic when you are having problems, they say kind things to you and show that they feel sad about your situation: · Why don't you talk to Elizabeth? She's always sympathetic.· My friends were extremely sympathetic when they heard I'd lost my job.· Noticing my embarrassment, the teacher gave me a sympathetic smile.
an understanding person is kind and patient when someone has a problem, and does not get angry with them or criticize them: · I'm sorry I've been so bad-tempered lately. Anyway, thank you for being so understanding.· Irene often has to take time off work. Fortunately she has a very understanding boss.
someone who is compassionate wants to help people who are suffering or having problems: · Alice was a compassionate woman who wanted to save children from violence and poverty.· We must try to create a more caring, more compassionate society.
loving and sympathetic, especially so that you want to help people close to you when they are in trouble: · Sharon was lucky to have such caring parents at a time when she needed help.· It is possible for men to be tough and, at the same time, caring and sensitive.
someone who is kind-hearted has a kind and sympathetic character: · Being a kind-hearted woman, she felt sorry for the poor child.· I wouldn't have helped him at all, but then I'm not as kind-hearted as you.
informal someone who will listen sympathetically when you tell them about your problems: · Remember, I'm always here if you need a shoulder to cry on.
to treat someone very kindly or too kindly to treat someone, especially a child, too kindly and give them everything they want whether they should have it or not, so that they behave badly: · You're spoiling that kid. He's getting cheeky and selfish.spoil somebody rotten (=spoil someone very much): · Danny was her favourite grandson and she spoiled him rotten.
to look after a person or animal very kindly, and spend a lot of time trying to make them happy and comfortable, sometimes in a way that is not good for their health or character: · She really pampers that dog - it's even got its own little bed next to hers.pamper yourself: · Take some time out to pamper yourself with an aromatherapy massage.
British to look after someone very well and pay a lot of attention to them: · When I came out of hospital and got back home, everyone made a great fuss of me and I loved it.· My sister was jealous because Dad made such a fuss of me.· I enjoyed having people fussing over me - it made me feel important.
approximately correct · Yes, that's roughly the right answer.· As long as you know roughly how to do it, that's fine.
if something is more or less correct, it is good or correct enough to be accepted even if it is not perfect: · What she says is more or less true.· "Did they have what you were looking for at the hardware store?" "Yes, more or less."
informal spoken said when you think something is approximately right or true, but not exactly: · It's kind of circular-shaped, but not exactly.· "Did you finish your homework?" "Well, sort of."
informal if you are in the right ballpark , what you have guessed is not exactly correct, but is close to being correct: · "I'd think a project like this would take at least five years to complete." "Not quite as long as that, but you're in the right ballpark."
what you say when you thank someone say this when you want to thank someone politely: · "Would you like to come to dinner with us on Sunday?" "Thank you, I'd love to."thank you for: · Thank you for a splendid evening. I really enjoyed myself.· Thank you for letting me stay.thank you very much: · It's lovely. Thank you very much.
spoken use this to thank someone for something they have just done or given you: · "Here's your coffee." "Thanks, Mom."thanks for: · Thanks for coming. Hope we see you again next year.thanks to somebody (=used in speeches): · Thanks to everyone for all the cards and flowers. They really cheered me up.thanks a lot/a million: · "Here, let me help you." "Thanks a lot. That's great."
British informal spoken say this when you want to thank someone for something they have just done or given you: · "Here's the book you wanted." "Ta."· "I've made you a cup of tea." "Cheers."
formal spoken say this when someone has generously offered to do something for you: · "Here, you can have my seat." "Thank you, that's very kind of you."· "Would you like me to carry your shopping?" "That's very good of you!"
spoken say this when you want to thank someone who has done a lot to help you: · Thanks for helping out on a Sunday - I appreciate it.I really appreciate it: · I couldn't have managed without your support and encouragement. I really appreciate it.
spoken say this when you want to thank someone who has given you something, especially something expensive: · What a beautiful ring! Oh Mike, you shouldn't have!
spoken use this to thank someone who has got you out of a difficult situation, or solved a problem for you: · You've saved my life, Jim! Thank goodness you were here.
spoken use this to thank someone in a formal speech: · I would like to thank everyone who helped at the school fair.I'd like to thank somebody for (doing) something: · I'd like to thank Betty and Jim for organizing this wonderful party.
use this to thank someone, especially when writing a letter: · We received the pictures on Wednesday. Many thanks.many thanks for: · Many thanks for your letter of the other day.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY We thanked the priest for his kind words. Thank you for your help. You’ve been most kind (=said when thanking someone very politely). Ms Jarvis is unable to accept your kind invitation.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES There are many different types of fabric. David was not the sort of person who found it easy to talk about his feelings. We can hopefully reach some kind of agreement.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
We thanked the priest for his kind words. Thank you for your help. You’ve been most kind (=said when thanking someone very politely). (=said when thanking someone very politely for their invitation or offer)
Ms Jarvis is unable to accept your kind invitation. There are many different types of fabric. (=a kind character)· My father had a good heart.
· It gives me great pleasure to accept your kind invitation.
· We are grateful for your kind offer.· They were surprised by his generous offer to let them stay at his place.
formal (=used for thanking someone for allowing something)· This photograph is reproduced by kind permission of Country Living.
David was not the sort of person who found it easy to talk about his feelings. We can hopefully reach some kind of agreement.· In the next few months I studied hard with Mr Pocket, who was always a most kind and helpful teacher.
· Mrs Sugden meant no harm to anyone, but neither had she the intelligence to be really kind.· Everyone was really kind, but I must admit to feeling out of place in this intimate all-female atmosphere.· He knew very few men who were really kind to women unless it was part of their job.· They claim that despite their reputations, the Krays are really kind and generous people.
· Nahum was no longer so kind or considerate, and he was prone to strange moods.· Would I be so kind as to drive her to the aircraft in my car?· It was nice, people were so kind, offering encouragement and congratulations for what had been achieved.· She'd never been so kind before.· Would I ever look at nature that way, as something so kind, so fundamentally good?· They had been so kind towards him, so very fond of the prodigal young man.· Her name was Ida Wilson, and she was so kind to me.
· The Khans were being too kind to me.· She looks a little disappointed when she sees us close up but is too kind to say so.· You mustn't be too kind in a case like this.· You are a kind person - too kind to leave me alone out here in bad weather.· They were all too kind to snigger but Suzi distinctly saw fat Luiza shrug her shoulders in a gesture of fatalistic despair.· But they didn't, they were too kind.· Mrs Goreng had been too kind to them in the sense of what to expect.
· I gave my first concert at the age of nine, and people were very kind.· It was very kind of you to look at me when you were ready to close up.· He's been very kind to me and Lily, as regards putting our minds at rest about Stella.· Elizabeth is going to be very kind to me.· It was very kind of you.· And she's very kind to you.· She was very kind to think of me.
NOUN· She had long wavy brown hair, and a gentle, kind face.· You have such a kind face.
· Hitherto, she'd thought of him as a friend; a kind friend, far above her station.
· She had a remarkable face, one that denoted a quick intellect and a kind heart.· Poor little thing, she would be feeling so lonely and frightened, and Jean's kind heart went out to her.· Unfortunately, pity for that poor pathetic creature began to creep into her kind heart.· For he has a kind heart ....· But underneath there was a remarkably warm and kind heart.· Apart from being beautiful and elegant, not to mention clever and intelligent - you've one of the kindest hearts I know.· Let her shelter you as is her pleasure and as her kind heart will have her do.· What mattered was the kind hearts that were inside.
· Even by accepting Laura Danby's kind invitation, Meredith's own fiercely maintained independence could be said to have been undermined.
· A kind man, a gentle man.· He was the kindest man and toughest reporter we have known in our time.· But he was a warm and kind man.· The judge was a kind man.· Just when I think you're the kindest man in the world you suddenly get the glooms again.· Jesse Helms possibly object to President Clinton appointing the kindest man on earth as ambassador to a very small country?· He might have been a kind man trying to look after me.
· Thanks for your kind offer of help.
· The country belonged to the Phaeacians, a kind people and splendid sailors.
· Used by kind permission of Music Sales.· Reproduced by kind permission of Churchill Livingstone.· Reproduced by kind permission of Warner Chappell/IMP.· With her erstwhile host's kind permission, she reminded herself bitterly.
· You are a kind person - too kind to leave me alone out here in bad weather.· I might go wild, do a dance, fling a ten pound note at the kind person who found it.· And the aunt was not a kind person.· She was also a safe and kind person to be with.· She was one of the kindest persons I ever met.
· I suppose on reflection it wasn't a very kind thing to say, but he really reacted oddly.· The Republicans' rationale is that it is wrong to pay students to do the kind things they should be doing anyway.· The kindest thing one can say of this is that, one day, we may come round to liking it.
· Thank you for your kind words.· Here's to a job well done!-John Romeo, Buffalo John: Thanks for the kind words.· Steve Mariucci offered kind words for the unit on Sunday, as always.· The kind words you have to say about me, Say them now for I want to hear them.· Dole had kind words for his disgraced contemporary.· Salisbury, Butler and Macmillan spoke kind words.· It also suddenly became possible to say kind words about space visionaries.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► all sorts/kinds of wrong/crazy etc► would you be good/kind enough to do something?► not the marrying kind
- After that, they subjected me to all kinds of examinations and procedures.
- At that special level all sorts of odd things happened..
- Damaged anemones are open to all sorts of bacterial diseases which can be fatal.
- No one company offers the best or worst deals in all countries or for all types of car.
- Now here was Lisa, claiming her innocence, claiming all sorts of prosecutorial abuse.
- Now, all kinds of marvellous technologies are used to read the message of the nucleic acids.
- Producers are obstructed by governments in all sorts of ways, but enterprises are, by and large, private.
- There are all sorts of machines being developed to upgrade security.
- George did not like being firm with Lennie but he knew that he had to be cruel to be kind.
- So now I've got to be cruel to be kind.
- You've got to be cruel to be kind, and dismantling the Dome would be the best solution for everybody.
- You have to be cruel to be kind.
- But nothing of the sort happens.
- Even apparent moves by the regime to resolve the crisis turn out on closer inspection to be nothing of the kind.
- In reality, of course, Pooley had done nothing of the kind.
- It is nothing of the kind.
- It sounds unkind, but nothing of the sort was ever remotely true of Borg.
- Maggie expected him to look annoyed but he did nothing of the sort.
- Uncle Allen remembered nothing of the sort.
- But, it, it is kind of funny.
- So it is kind of coming home and a change of focus.
- The idea of it is kind of cute: This little Frank guy is trying to find candy.
- Complaints about payment in kind or in truck were persistent in many parts of the country.
- Secondly, it is often argued that farm workers are compensated for their low wages by a cornucopia of payments in kind.
- Self-sufficiency, payment in kind and living-in service were all shrinking.
- The advantage of payment in kind becomes obvious.
WORD FAMILYadjectivekind ≠ unkindkindlynounkindness ≠ unkindnessadverbkindly ≠ unkindly
1saying or doing things that show that you care about other people and want to help them or make them happy OPP unkindkind to They’ve been very kind to me. It wasn’t a very kind thing to say. She’s a very kind and generous person.it’s kind of somebody (to do something) It’s kind of you to say that. It’s really kind of them to let us use their pool. We thanked the priest for his kind words. Thank you for your help. You’ve been most kind (=said when thanking someone very politely).thank you for your kind invitation/offer (=said when thanking someone very politely for their invitation or offer) Ms Jarvis is unable to accept your kind invitation.GRAMMARYou are kind to someone: · He was kind to her. ✗Don’t say: He was kind with her.Grammar guide ‒ ADJECTIVES2not causing harm or sufferingkind to Life has been very kind to me. I need a soap that’s kinder to my skin. Let’s hope the weather’s kind tomorrow.3would you be kind enough to do something/be so kind as to do something formal used to make a polite request: Would you be kind enough to close the door, please?RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say please could you ...? or would you mind ...? because the expressions with kind can sound too formal and unfriendly:· Would you mind closing the door?4kind regards written used to end a formal but fairly friendly letterTHESAURUSkind someone who is kind tries to help people and make them happy or comfortable, and shows that they care about them: · They were very kind to us and let us stay in their house as long as we liked.· a kind old lady· a kind thing to saynice especially spoken friendly and kind. Nice is very common in everyday spoken English and is often used instead of kind: · Everyone has been so nice to me.· It’s nice of you to invite me here.· He seems such a nice man.generous kind because you give people money, presents etc: · ‘I’ll pay for the meal.’ ‘That’s very generous of you.’· a generous giftconsiderate thinking about other people’s feelings, and careful not to do anything that will upset them: · Our neighbours are very considerate and always keep their TV turned down.· a considerate driver· He’s always very polite and considerate to his guests.thoughtful thinking of things you can do to make other people happy or feel good – used especially when someone does something such as giving someone a present or helping someone: · It was thoughtful of you to send him a card.· Some thoughtful person had taken her bag to the lost property office.caring kind and wanting to help and look after people: · She’s lucky to have such a loving and caring husband.· The British are well-known for their caring attitude toward animals.sympathetic saying kind things to someone who has problems and behaving in a way that shows you care about them: · My boss was very sympathetic and said I should take some time off work.· She gave him a sympathetic smile.good kind and showing that you want to help – used especially in the following phrases: · It was good of you to come and see me.· She’s always been very good to us.sweet informal very kind – used especially when you like someone very much, or you are very pleased because of something they have done: · I was given the flowers by a sweet little old lady who lived next door.· It’s sweet of you to ask.· a sweet thing to saykind-hearted/warm-hearted especially written having a kind and friendly character, which makes other people like you: · He was a wonderful father, kind-hearted and always laughing.· The town is full of warm-hearted, helpful people.benevolent formal kind and wanting to help people – often used about someone who is important or who people respect: · a benevolent ruler· They believe in the existence of a benevolent God who will save mankind.· He listened politely, like some benevolent uncle.