kindness
noun/ˈkaɪnd.nəs/ · /ˈkaɪnd.nɪs/
Etymology From Middle English kyndenesse, equivalent to kind + -ness.
1
Usually The state of being kind.
- Jamie's kindness is legendary, so much that people have taken advantage of her.
- If attending to your childhood wounds and responding with kindness feels selfish, it is important to remember that compassion for oneself often makes people more compassionate to others, Lev said.2025 April 28, Madeline Holcombe, “It might be time to ‘reparent’ yourself. Here’s how to get started”, in CNN:
2
Usually An instance of kind or charitable behaviour.
- How can I thank you for your many kindnesses?
- Do me a kindness and leave.
2 more examples
- i'm going to turn a blind eye to this misdemeanour, out of the kindness of my heart.
- They are grateful for kindnesses that they may have received.1911, James George Frazer, The Golden Bough, volume 8, page 232: