kindly

B1 · Intermediate

adv. doing something in a caring, helpful, or friendly manner.

adv. in a kind, benevolent, or sympathetic manner.

“The old man smiled kindly at the children playing in the park.”

“She spoke kindly to the nervous intern, offering constructive feedback that helped build his confidence during the first week.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Literary

adj. having a friendly and caring nature.

adj. possessing or displaying a sympathetic, warmhearted, or benevolent nature.

“She was a kindly woman who always helped her neighbours.”

“The village doctor was a kindly soul, known for visiting patients late at night without ever mentioning the cost of his services.”

C2 · Proficiency Dialect

adv. a little bit or somewhat.

adv. used to mean 'kind of' or 'to some extent'.

“It is getting kindly late, so we should probably head home.”

“The weather turned kindly cold toward the evening, catching the hikers without their heavy coats.”