kind of

Idioms  

1. Also, sort of. Rather, somewhat, as in I'm kind of hungry, or The bird looked sort of like a sparrow. [Colloquial; c. 1800] This usage should not be confused with a kind of or a sort of, which are much older and refer to a borderline member of a given category (as in a kind of a shelter or a sort of a bluish color). Shakespeare had this usage in Two Gentlemen of Verona (3:1): “My master is a kind of a knave.” Also see of a kind.

---

Example Sentences

“I think that’s remarkable. Kind of proud of it.”

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026

Later I switched to “Some Kind of Wonderful” by Grand Funk Railroad for a simple reason: Whenever she’s around my heart beats in rhythm with the 1974 tune’s powerful drum lead-in.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

They chose their wedding song, A Groovy Kind of Love by Phil Collins, and vowed to love each other through every lifetime.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

"Kind of a first today for Japan to have two Japanese pros play in a final group," Matsuyama said.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

“I might have a talk with Aron. Kind of feel around.”

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

• rather