First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1kind
noun \ˈkīnd\
: a group of people or things that belong together or have some shared quality : a particular type or variety of person or thing
Full Definition of KIND
2
archaic : manner
3
: fundamental nature or quality : essence
4
a : a group united by common traits or interests : category b : a specific or recognized variety <what kind of car do you drive> c : a doubtful or barely admissible member of a category <a kind of gray>
5
a : goods or commodities as distinguished from money <payment in kind> b : the equivalent of what has been offered or received
— all kinds of
1
: many <likes all kinds of sports>
2
: plenty of <has all kinds of time>
See kind defined for English-language learners
See kind defined for kids
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Origin of KIND
Middle English kinde, from Old English cynd; akin to Old English cynn kin
Related to KIND
Synonym Discussion of KIND
type, kind, sort, nature, description, character mean a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities. type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group <one of three basic body types>. kind may suggest natural grouping <a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind>. sort often suggests some disparagement <the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories>. nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses <two problems of a similar nature>. description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined <not all acts of that description are actually illegal>. character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type <research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character>.
2kind
adjective
: having or showing a gentle nature and a desire to help others : wanting and liking to do good things and to bring happiness to others
—used to make a formal request
Full Definition of KIND
1
chiefly dialect : affectionate, loving
2
a : of a sympathetic or helpful nature b : of a forbearing nature : gentle c : arising from or characterized by sympathy or forbearance <a kind act>
3
: of a kind to give pleasure or relief
See kind defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of KIND
14th century
Related to KIND
- Synonyms
- attentive, considerate, thoughtful, solicitous
- Antonyms
- heedless, inconsiderate, thoughtless, unthinking
KINDS Defined for Kids
1kind
noun \ˈkīnd\
Definition of KIND for Kids
: a group of persons or things that belong together or have something in common <All kinds of people came.> <What kind of car does she drive?>
2kind
adjective
kind·erkind·est
Definition of KIND for Kids
1
: wanting or liking to do good and to bring happiness to others : considerate <a kind woman>
2
: showing or growing out of gentleness or goodness of heart <a kind act>
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