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.

Example Sentences

But he is at pains to stress that there is nevertheless a sense of "honour, kindness, and hospitality" in the Kurdish community.

Read more on BBC

The series largely belongs to them — both actors are terrific, Shannon imbuing Garfield with a gravity leavened with kindness and humor, Macfadyen’s Guiteau, optimistically dedicated to his delusions yet always about to pop.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Roz listens to us, and treats us with love and kindness, and she makes our lives as comfortable as she possibly can. We certainly will miss her when she’s gone.”

Read more on Literature

However, others countered that this act of kindness was something they would have greatly appreciated as a child.

Read more on Salon

The newspaper says the offer was a thank you for Prince Andrew's "kindness" to the United Arab Emirate's royals when he was the UK's international business envoy.

Read more on BBC

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