kindness

noun

kind·​ness ˈkīn(d)-nəs How to pronounce kindness (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being kind
treating people with kindness and respect
2
: a kind deed : favor
They did me a great kindness.
3
archaic : affection

Examples of kindness in a Sentence

We thanked her for her many kindnesses. You would be doing me a great kindness if you agreed to help.
Recent Examples on the Web Cortes likes to think of this skill as an act of kindness toward yourself and the other person. Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 This is called sadaqah, or voluntary charity, and can be in many forms, such as feeding someone a meal, donating to charity, performing a good deed, or doing an act of kindness. The Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2024 Today, advanced meditators usually access them by concentrating on something: a flame, their breath, the sense of loving kindness. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2024 The bogus Microsoft employees provided her with their names and company IDs, treated her with kindness and professionalism, and assured her that her safety was their top priority. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 28 Feb. 2024 Later, an equally random gesture of kindness helps open the cab driver to his immeasurable grief. Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 The project highlighted random acts of kindness and the ripple effects of such gestures on people's lives. Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2024 Overall, the trend is really just an act of kindness amongst Jeep enthusiasts and there aren’t really strict rules. Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2024 Avoid overspending or letting anyone take advantage of your kindness and generosity. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kindness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kindness was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near kindness

Cite this Entry

“Kindness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kindness. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

kindness

noun
kind·​ness ˈkīn(d)-nəs How to pronounce kindness (audio)
1
: a kind deed : favor
returned his kindness
2
: the quality or state of being kind
treat others with kindness

More from Merriam-Webster on kindness

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