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View synonyms for kindness

kindness

[ kahynd-nis ]

noun

  1. the state or quality of being kind:

    kindness to animals.

    Synonyms: tenderness, compassion, sympathy, charity, generosity, humanity, benevolence, benignity

    Antonyms: malevolence

  2. a kind act; favor:

    his many kindnesses to me.

  3. kind behavior:

    I will never forget your kindness.

    Synonyms: tenderness, compassion, sympathy, charity, generosity, humanity, benevolence, benignity

    Antonyms: cruelty

  4. friendly feeling; liking.


kindness

/ ˈkaɪndnɪs /

noun

  1. the practice or quality of being kind
  2. a kind, considerate, or helpful act
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Other Words From

  • self-kindness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of kindness1

First recorded in 1250–1300, kindness is from the Middle English word kindenes. See kind 1, -ness
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Idioms and Phrases

see kill with kindness ; milk of human kindness .
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Example Sentences

If the situation turns one way—a neighbor who did you some kindness knocks on your door asking for a night of shelter—maybe you start down the path toward great humanity and courage.

Nonetheless, I will never forget the kindness the officers showed me.

So, I really value those people for who they are and the fact that they could treat me with kindness even though we disagree.

From Ozy

Yes, the universe will end, and everything that has ever happened, from the tiniest of human kindnesses to the grandest of cosmic explosions, will one day be erased from the record.

Developing regenerative technologies, which foster online kindness and empathy, and diversifying the tech field with women who research or are survivors of violence against women and girls could make a meaningful difference.

She is incapable of responding to kindness and enquiry, even very gentle flirting on the part of a co-worker.

Dr. Edwards warns that Dawn is not acting out of the kindness of her heart—but then again, Dr. Edwards is shady as hell, too.

It is the Germans who ride on white horses and surprise us with acts of kindness.

He is to be admired for his kindness and genuine pastoral concern for all the members of his flock.

Spall plays him brilliantly as a grumbling, grunting beast of a man whose sensitivity and kindness emerges slowly.

Am I not in France—gay, delightful France—partaking of the kindness and civility of the country?

She was delighted by your brilliant talk and sense of humour, but still more delighted by your cordiality and kindness.

The people of the valley were to know that their kindness had cheered me, but of their pity I wanted none.

Monsieur le Maire,” said he, “I should like to examine the premises, and beg that you will have the kindness to accompany me.

Confiding in the accustomed largess and kindness of your Majesty, we shall say no more.

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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