kind
Use “kind” as a noun to identify types of categories or groups of things. This word is also an adjective for a person who is nice.
- What kind of house do the live in? (category)
- She likes the kind of book that makes her think. (type)
- The woman who lives next door is very kind. (kind = nice)
- The man on the train kindly gave up his seat for an elderly woman who wanted to sit down. (kindly = politely; generously)
- Thieves and others of their kind are not welcome in a civil society. (kind = similar group; related group)
Here the word “kind” is used in two very different ways:
Roger is a very kind supervisor. (kind = nice)
What kind of boss do you have? (kind = type)
a. kind = nice or generous
A person who is nice to other people or other living things is kind.
- Thank-you! You are so kind.
- He’s kind to everyone.
- She’s kind to animals.
- They are very kind people.
- We have a kind supervisor who makes our place of work pleasant.
- Be kind to others.
The word “kindness” is a noun. “Kindly” is an adverb.
- She’s a woman known for her kindness to everyone.
- I will never forget the kindness of those who helped our family.
- She kindly helps people who are in distress.
- Would you kindly open the door? (The word “kindly” is often used in polite requests.)
a. kind = nice or generous
- We should be kind to people who are in need of help.
- Kindness is a virtue.
- This kind mother is making cookies for her children.
b. kind = type or category
A kind is a type or a category. It’s part of a group. To find out about types, categories, or groups, a question will often begin with, “What kind of…”
- A: What kind of work do you do?
- B: I’m a plumber.
- A: What kind of transportation does this city have?
- B: It has buses, a light rail system, streets, and highways.
- Jeremy listens to the kind of music that makes people want to dance.
- This is the kind of melon that we used to eat as kids.
- Cindy likes to eat the kind of food that doesn’t make her feel bloated.
- Roger is the kind of doctor who listens to his patients.
b. kind = type or category
- A: What kind of work does he do?
- B: He’s a cook.
- A: What kind of an insect is that?
- B: It’s a bee.
c. kind of = a little; somewhat
Combine “kind” and “of” to form ” kind of.” This is similar in meaning to a little, a bit, sort of, and somewhat. The degree of meaning for “kind of” will vary, depending on the circumstances.
- The teacher said she was kind of disappointed in her students’ performance on the test.
- The movie we saw last night was kind of interesting.
- Learning to play a musical instrument is kind of difficult at first, but with practice it becomes easier.
- This is kind of good.
- That’s kind of disgusting.
- It’s kind of hot outside.
- I’m kind of hungry. Let’s get something to eat.
Note: In spoken English, this is important to listen for because “kind of” as two words are often blended into “kinda,” which is not a real word, but you will hear it used.
c. kind of = a little; somewhat
- The coffee is kind of hot. Be careful!
- It’s a little hot.
- It’s a bit hot.
- It’s sort of hot.
- It’s somewhat hot.
- The screen on this laptop is kind of small. It’s not very easy to see.
d. kind = related beings
You can use “kind” as a way of referring to other, similar beings or groups of living things that are related in some way.
- Humankind has had a big impact on the planet.
- Landing and walking on the moon was a big step for all mankind.
- Human beings have made planet Earth into a playground for their kind.
- She felt a deep connection to others of her kind, even though they lived far away. (her kind = people who are like her)
- The wolves watched from a distance, wary of those not of their kind.(their kind = their biological category or group)
Note: The word “kind” is similar to “kin,” which means relative.
d. kind = related beings
- This type of music attracts their kind.
- Covid affected all humankind during the pandemic.