noun
kind
kynd
noun
1
A type or category of thing that shares common features with others.
"What kind of music do you like?"
"There are many kinds of apples at the market."
adj
1
Friendly, generous, and considerate toward others.
"It was very kind of her to help the new student settle in."
"He always speaks in a kind and patient way."
How to Use Kind
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a type/category of something, or (as an adjective) someone gentle, generous, and thoughtful toward others.
Common mistake
"Kind of" as a filler meaning "somewhat" ("I'm kind of tired") is informal — avoid it in formal writing.
Common pairings
kind of
a kind gesture
all kinds of
be kind to
Word Forms
kinder comparative, kinds plural, kindest superlative
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What _____ of music do you like?
Etymology
From Old English gecynd, "nature, birth, family" — originally meaning something closer to "kin" or "inborn nature" before it split into today's separate meanings of "type" and "gentle/caring."