| Library / English Dictionary |
KINDNESS
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
A kind act
Synonyms:
benignity; kindness
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Hypernyms ("kindness" is a kind of...):
action (something done (usually as opposed to something said))
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "kindness"):
benefaction; benevolence (an act intending or showing kindness and good will)
cupboard love (a show of affection motivated by selfishness)
favor; favour (an act of gracious kindness)
forgiveness; pardon (the act of excusing a mistake or offense)
endearment (the act of showing affection)
consideration; thoughtfulness (a considerate and thoughtful act)
Derivation:
kind (having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Tendency to be kind and forgiving
Synonyms:
forgivingness; kindness
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Hypernyms ("kindness" is a kind of...):
mercifulness; mercy (a disposition to be kind and forgiving)
Derivation:
kind (tolerant and forgiving under provocation)
Sense 3
Meaning:
The quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Hypernyms ("kindness" is a kind of...):
good; goodness (moral excellence or admirableness)
Attribute:
kind (having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior)
unkind (lacking kindness)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "kindness"):
generosity; generousness (the trait of being willing to give your money or time)
benevolence (an inclination to do kind or charitable acts)
loving-kindness (tender kindness motivated by a feeling of affection)
considerateness; consideration; thoughtfulness (kind and considerate regard for others)
Antonym:
unkindness (lack of sympathy)
Derivation:
kind (having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior)
Context examples:
Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to recommence your narrative.
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
I asked, it is true, for greater treasures than a little food or rest: I required kindness and sympathy; but I did not believe myself utterly unworthy of it.
(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)
“Charles would be flattered if he could see the gracious way in which we receive his kindness,” said she.
(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
There was, it would seem, great kindness as well as great wickedness in this world, of which he had heard so little that was good.
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Now you will have the kindness to place some letters and papers upon this table within my reach.
(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
“I shall say nothing till I have seen the body,” said he; “this may be very serious. Have the kindness to wait while I dress.”
(The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson)
The doctor and I will remain on guard, Mr. Pycroft, if you will have the kindness to step out for the police.
(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
“Watson, would you have the kindness to take the paper and to read the paragraph in question?”
(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
"No, no," he cried, while he secretly blessed her for her kindness.
(Martin Eden, by Jack London)
The Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman and the Lion now thanked the Good Witch earnestly for her kindness; and Dorothy exclaimed: You are certainly as good as you are beautiful!
(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)
