What does "kindness" mean?

1. (the quality of being kind) the quality of being friendly, generous, and caring toward other people. 2. (a kind act) a specific helpful or generous thing that you do for someone.

How do you use "kindness"?

Often used with the preposition 'to' or 'towards' when directed at someone. Commonly used in the plural 'kindnesses' or with the verb 'do'.

kindness

US //ˈkaɪndnəs// UK //kˈaɪndnəs// kind·ness

1 the quality of being kind (n.)
A2 Elementary

the quality of being friendly, generous, and caring toward other people.

the abstract quality of being benevolent, considerate, or helpful. Uncountable in this sense.

Example

I will never forget the kindness she showed me when I first moved to this city.

Example

The nurse was celebrated for her extraordinary kindness and patience while caring for the most difficult patients in the ward.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'to' or 'towards' when directed at someone.
- cruelty
- meanness
- hostility
2 a kind act (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a specific helpful or generous thing that you do for someone.

a specific instance or act of kind or charitable behaviour. Countable in this sense.

Example

He did me a great kindness by lending me his car for the weekend.

Example

She repaid his many kindnesses by supporting him through his long recovery after the accident.

Usage

Commonly used in the plural 'kindnesses' or with the verb 'do'.

Teacher's tip

Learners often forget that 'kindness' can be countable when referring to specific actions.
- favour
- good deed

Origin

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

Idioms1 entry

01
milk of human kindness
Compassion shown to other people.