ENGLISH
REFERENCE

kindness

n. C / U
A2 Elementary US //ˈkaɪndnəs// UK //kˈaɪndnəs// kind·ness

n. the quality of being friendly, generous, and helpful toward other people. It is also a specific act of doing something nice for someone.

n. the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Often used to refer to a specific benevolent act or gesture.


SIMPLE

She showed great kindness by helping the lost child.

CONTEXTUAL

The local community was moved by the kindness of the stranger who donated his entire savings to the hospital.

COMPLEX

True kindness often manifests in small, quiet gestures that require no recognition but provide immense comfort to those in distress.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English kyndenesse, equivalent to kind + -ness.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general quality; countable when referring to specific acts ('many kindnesses').

Idioms1 entry

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