kind

kind [kīnd]

n.

[ME kynd < OE cynd, akin to Ger kind, child, ON kundr, son < IE * ĝṇti- (> L natio, NATION) < base * ĝen-: see GENUS]

1. Archaic

a) origin

b) nature

c) manner; way

2. a natural group or division [the rodent kind]: sometimes used in compounds [humankind]

3. essential character

4. sort; variety; class

adj.

[ME kynde < OE gecynde]

1. sympathetic, friendly, gentle, tenderhearted, generous, etc.

2. cordial [kind regards]

3. Archaic loving; affectionate

4. Obs. natural; native

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after one's kind or after its kind

Archaic in agreement with one's (or its) nature

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all kinds of

Informal many or much [all kinds of money]

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in kind

1. in goods or produce instead of money

2. with something like that received; in the same way

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kind of

Informal somewhat; rather; almost

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of a kind

1. of the same kind; alike

2. of poor quality; mediocre [entertainment of a kind]

SYN.- KIND implies the possession of sympathetic or generous qualities, either habitually or specifically, or is applied to actions manifesting these [he is kind only to his mother, your kind remarks ]; KINDLY usually implies a characteristic nature or general disposition marked by such qualities [his kindly old uncle ]; BENIGN suggests a mild or kindly nature and is applied especially to a gracious superior [a benign employer ]; BENEVOLENT implies a charitable or altruistic inclination to do good [his benevolent interest in orphans ] -ANT. UNKIND, UNFEELING, CRUEL