English Reference
adjective · noun

kind

adj. · n.
US /ˈkaɪnd/ UK /kˈaɪnd/ kind UK spelling kinds

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    adj.caring about others and wanting to help them; being friendly and generous.

    adj.having a benevolent, sympathetic, or warm-hearted nature; marked by consideration for others.

    Simple

    It was very kind of you to help me carry these heavy bags.

    In context

    The local community was incredibly kind to the refugees, providing them with food, clothing, and temporary housing during the crisis.

    Pitfall
    It was very kind from you to help. It was very kind of you to help.

    When praising someone's action using 'kind', use the preposition 'of' before the person.

  2. 02 A1 Beginner

    n.a group of things or people that are similar; a type.

    n.a class or group of individual objects, people, or concepts that share common characteristics.

    Simple

    What kind of music do you usually listen to when you study?

    In context

    The biologist identified a rare kind of orchid that only grows in this specific part of the rainforest.

    Pitfall
    I like these kind of books. I like this kind of book.

    Use the singular 'this kind' with a singular noun, or 'these kinds' with a plural noun.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical

    n.paying for something with goods or services instead of using money.

    n.refers to payment made in goods or services rather than in currency; often used in the phrase 'in kind'.

    Simple

    The farmer paid his rent in kind by giving the owner a portion of the harvest.

    In context

    The company offered a settlement in kind, providing advertising credits instead of a cash refund for the service disruption.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.doing the same thing to someone that they did to you.

    n.a response to an action that is of the same nature or quality; typically used in the phrase 'to respond in kind'.

    Simple

    When the other team started playing aggressively, our players responded in kind.

    In context

    Diplomatic tensions escalated when the embassy was closed and the foreign ministry responded in kind by expelling three diplomats.

Usage kind of liar · kind of like · kind of thing

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated