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

Few car brands carry the kind of name recognition of Chrysler, which alone could drive sales, dealers say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

The movie is called “Yes” but it’s not the kind of yes that comes after someone offers you another cupcake.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

"There's a thing I miss in in pop music today, which is that kind of Motown feeling, that classic feeling, that analogue feeling," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

In this kind of environment, it’s even more important to have the necessary funds on hand so you don’t have to pass on another property.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

In all the time I have spoken with Theo—every time he’s been jocular, or dry, or self-deprecating, or sincere—he’s never, ever had this kind of sharpness.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• rather