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

Kind of a “Columbo”-style of a show, if you will.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

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

From Salon • Feb. 27, 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

"Game felt good. Kind of went out there and gave myself a lot of good looks, good opportunities, and only missing one green today, that definitely helps," said Reed.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

"Kind of pointless to simulate an ascent explosion. Nothing we can do."

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Related Words

• rather