kindness
English
Alternative forms
- kindenesse (obsolete)
- kindnesse (obsolete)
Etymology
From Middle English kindenesse, equivalent to kind + -ness.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈkaɪndnɪs/, /ˈkaɪndnəs/
Audio (US) (file) - Rhymes: -aɪndnəs
Noun
kindness (countable and uncountable, plural kindnesses)
- The state of being kind.
- Jamie's kindness is legendary, so much that people have taken advantage of her.
- An instance of kind or charitable behaviour.
- How can I thank you for your many kindnesses?
- Do me a kindness and leave.
- i'm going to turn a blind eye to this misdemeanour, out of the kindness of my heart.
- 1911, James George Frazer, The Golden Bough, volume 8, page 232:
- They are grateful for kindnesses that they may have received.
Derived terms
- kill with kindness
- lovingkindness
- milk of human kindness
- random act of kindness
Translations
being kind
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instance of charitable behavior
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