kindly

[kahynd-lee]

adjective

kindlier, kindliest 

1. having, showing, or proceeding from a benevolent disposition or spirit; kindhearted.

   kindly people.

2. gentle or mild, as rule or laws.

3. pleasant, agreeable, or benign.

   kindly climate.

4. favorable, as soil for crops.

adverb

1. in a kind manner; with sympathetic or helpful kindness.

2. cordially or heartily.

   We thank you kindly.

3. obligingly; please.

   Would you kindly close the door?

4. with liking; favorably.

   to take kindly to an idea.

kindly

/ ˈkaɪndlɪ /

adjective

1. having a sympathetic or warm-hearted nature

2. motivated by warm and sympathetic feelings

   a kindly act

3. pleasant, mild, or agreeable

   a kindly climate

4. archaic,  natural; normal

adverb

1. in a considerate or humane way

2. with tolerance or forbearance

   he kindly forgave my rudeness

3. cordially; pleasantly

   he greeted us kindly

4. please (often used to express impatience or formality)

   will you kindly behave yourself!

5. archaic,  in accordance with nature; appropriately

6. to react unfavourably towards

Other Word Forms

• kindliness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of kindly¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English kyndly (adjective and adverb), Old English gecyndelīc “natural,” gecyndelīce “naturally”; kind ¹, -ly

Idioms and Phrases

see take kindly to.

Synonym Study

See kind ¹.

Example Sentences

“History will not judge USC kindly if it agrees to this compact,” said Edward Saxon, professor of cinematic arts.

From Los Angeles Times

Our Chris Smith’s main worry is that his kindly alternate dimension father and brother will find out that he killed his doppelganger in an act of self-defense; Earth X Peacemaker would have murdered him otherwise.

From Salon

The statue was not treated kindly upon its removal, said the rep from Secret Handshake, who requested not to be named in keeping with the anonymous nature of the group’s activism.

From Los Angeles Times

"We kindly ask that privacy is respected, as the welfare and safety of our passengers and the public is always our utmost concern."

From BBC

“Jason and his family welcome your support and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as they dedicate their attention to Jason’s health and well-being,” the league said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affectionately 
• delicately 
• generously www.thesaurus.com
• genially 
• graciously 
• helpfully www.thesaurus.com
• politely 
• sympathetically www.thesaurus.com
• tenderly 
• thoughtfully www.thesaurus.com