kind

kind¹ W1S1 [kaınd] n

[: Old English; Origin: cynd]

1.) [U and C]

one of the different types of a person or thing that belong to the same group

= ↑sort, ↑type kind of

▪ They sell all kinds of things.

▪ The flowers attract several different kinds of insects.

▪ Certain kinds of medical care are more expensive than others.

▪ Greg was working on some kind of deal in Italy.

▪ Get me a sandwich - any kind will do.

▪ You can't get in unless you're wearing the right kind of clothes.

▪ This is hypocrisy of the worst kind .

▪ It is the biggest centre of its kind .

▪ What kind of food do you want?

▪ I like yoga, aerobics, and that kind of thing .

▪ This is precisely the kind of sensational attitude I most deplore.

see usage note ↑type¹

2.) the kind

used to describe a person with a particular character, feelings, opinions etc

▪ Ted just isn't the marrying kind.

▪ Rob isn't the kind of person to worry.

3.) kind of

kinda AmE spoken slightly but not exactly, or in some ways

= ↑sort of

▪ I'm kind of glad I didn't win.

▪ He's kinda dumb, isn't he?

4.) a kind of (a) sth

spoken used to say that your description of something is not exact

▪ a kind of reddish-brown color

5.) two/three etc of a kind

two, three etc people or things that are very similar

▪ You and Joe are two of a kind.

6.) one of a kind

the only one of a particular type of thing

▪ Each plate is handpainted and one of a kind.

7.) sth of the/that kind

spoken something similar to what was expected or talked about

▪ Rosa was shocked by the news, although she had suspected something of the kind might happen.

8.) nothing/anything of the kind

spoken used to emphasize that what has been said is not true

▪ I never said anything of the kind!

9.) of a kind

used to say that something is not as good as it should be

▪ Elections of a kind are held, but there is only one party to vote for.

10.) in kind

reacting to something someone has done by doing the same thing

▪ After recent bombings, counter-terrorist forces could retaliate in kind.

→payment in kind at ↑payment

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COLLOCATES for sense 1

all kinds/every kind

different/various kinds

a certain/particular kind

some kind

any kind

the same kind

the right kind

the worst kind

of its/their kind

of this kind

what kind (of something)?

that kind of thing

precisely/exactly the kind (that)

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kind ²

kind² S3 adj comparative kinder superlative kindest

[: Old English; Origin: gecynde 'natural']

1.) saying or doing things that show that you care about other people and want to help them or make them happy

≠ ↑unkind

→↑kindly, kindness ↑kindness kind to

▪ They've been very kind to me.

▪ It wasn't a very kind thing to say.

▪ She's a very kind and generous person.

it's kind of sb (to do sth)

▪ It's kind of you to say that.

▪ It's really kind of them to let us use their pool.

▪ We thanked the priest for his kind words .

▪ Thank you for your help. You've been most kind (=said when thanking someone very politely) .

thank you for your kind invitation/offer

(=said when thanking someone very politely for their invitation or offer)

▪ Ms Jarvis is unable to accept your kind invitation .

▪ Thank you for your kind offer .

2.) not causing harm or suffering

kind to

▪ Life has been very kind to me.

▪ I need a soap that's kinder to my skin.

▪ Let's hope the weather's kind tomorrow.

3.) would you be kind enough to do sth/be so kind as to do sth

formal used to make a polite request

▪ Would you be kind enough to close the door, please?

4.) kind regards

written used to end a formal but fairly friendly letter

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HINT sense 3

If you use these expressions in informal English, they can sound rude or unfriendly. Use please could you...? or would you mind...? instead.

WORD FOCUS: kind

similar words: nice, considerate, thoughtful, sympathetic, benevolent, compassionate, gentle

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