kind of

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

It’s also the kind of series award show voters love: a satire about the inner workings of the entertainment industry that calls attention to its devaluation of genuine art and original concepts.

From Salon

He is that kind of old-school centre-forward that is going to make a difference for them in a lot of games this season.

From BBC

In his acceptance speech, the 52-year-old, who grew up in the Merseyside town, said: "This kind of thing doesn't happen to a kid like me."

From BBC

“When you welcome a person into the store, that’s kind of like you welcoming them into your universe,” she tells me.

From Los Angeles Times

“I couldn’t see your face, so it felt like you were kind of like Lumon,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• rather