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kind
/kaɪnd/
What does "kind" mean?
type of categoryWhat kind of music do you like?
Asking about a specific category or type of music.
How to use "kind" correctly?
formal
A group of things or people sharing similar characteristics; a type or category.
She enjoys all kinds of books.
She likes books of various categories.
This kind of behavior is unacceptable.
This type of behavior is not allowed.
Used to classify or categorize things. Often followed by 'of'.
neutral
Having a gentle, friendly, or generous nature.
He is a kind person who always helps others.
He is gentle and generous.
It was very kind of you to visit me.
Your visit was a kind gesture.
Describes a person's character or behavior. Often used to praise someone's actions.
Pro Tip
Distinguish 'kind of' and 'a kind of'
'Kind of' (informal) means 'somewhat' (e.g., 'I'm kind of hungry'), while 'a kind of' introduces a category (e.g., 'A whale is a kind of mammal').
Gold Rule
Use 'kind' as a noun for categories
Follow 'kind' with 'of' to specify a category: 'What kind of fruit do you like?'
Use 'kind' as an adjective for behavior
Describe someone's nature: 'She is very kind to animals.'
Word Origin
Middle English: from Old English *cyndan (verb) 'beget, bring forth' and cynd (noun) 'race, family', of Germanic origin; related to kin. The sense 'type, category' developed in Middle English, while 'gentle, friendly' emerged in the 14th century.
Usage Notes
As a noun, 'kind' is countable (e.g., 'many kinds of flowers'). As an adjective, it describes a person's nature (e.g., 'a kind heart'). The phrase 'kind of' is informal and means 'somewhat' (e.g., 'I'm kind of tired').
Word Breakdown
kind
type or category
rootkind
gentle nature
rootEnglish Dictionary