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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

kind of

It’s the kind of PR win that climate groups trying to persuade governments to move to a new energy system never achieved.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

That kind of foot in the door can make all the difference for young people like Ohwobete and Ramírez, who have creative aspirations but few opportunities to realize them on a large scale.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

"What's really disappointing is that it takes decades to set up this kind of infrastructure," Dransfield said, adding scientists would leave the country to work elsewhere without this kind of cutting-edge technology.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

It was unclear what kind of wanted notice Russia had issued and whether other countries or law enforcement bodies would accept or comply with it.

From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026

The first time I came over to her house and saw how she treated the staff, though, I knew she was my kind of girl.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

Related Words

• rather