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

Other Word Forms

• self-kindness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of kindness¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

see kill with kindness; milk of human kindness.

Related Words

• affection 
• altruism 
• benevolence 
• cordiality 
• courtesy 
• decency 
• forbearance 
• gentleness 
• good will www.thesaurus.com
• goodness 
• grace 
• graciousness 
• hospitality 
• humanity 
• patience 
• solicitude 
• sweetness www.thesaurus.com
• sympathy 
• tenderness www.thesaurus.com
• tolerance