kindly

1 of 2

adjective

kind·​ly ˈkīn(d)-lē 

kindlier; kindliest

1

: of a sympathetic or generous nature

2

: of an agreeable or beneficial nature : pleasant

a kindly climate

3

a

obsolete : natural

b

archaic : lawful

kindly

2 of 2

adverb

1

a

: in a kind manner : sympathetically

b

: as a gesture of goodwill

would take it kindly if you would put in a good word

: in an appreciative manner

She didn't respond kindly to the suggestion.

c

: in a gracious manner : courteously

they kindly invited us along

d

: as a matter of courtesy : please

would you kindly order me a cab

2

a

dated : readily

But he had his gravelled walks, his poets' avenue of yews, that grew kindly, his sundials with their graceful and melancholy admonitions, …

—Francis Brett Young

At Pisa he saw something both of Trelawny and of Byron, who took to him kindly …

—Sidney Colvin

b

: in the normal way : naturally

old wounds which had healed kindly

—Amer. Mercury

3

chiefly Southern US : somewhat, kind of

it's kindly embarrassing

—Walter Davis

see also take kindly to

Synonyms

Adjective

• beneficent
• benevolent
• benignant
• compassionate
• good-hearted
• humane
• kind
• kindhearted
• softhearted
• sympathetic
• tender
• tenderhearted
• warmhearted

Adverb

• considerately
• courteously
• graciously
• nicely
• reasonably
• thoughtfully
• well

Examples of kindly in a Sentence

Adjective

A kindly woman helped him find his way home.

brought homemade chicken soup out of kindly concern for my health

Adverb

She always treats animals kindly.

They kindly offered to help us.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In 2016 in California, Hindu-nationalist groups claimed that sixth-grade textbooks were biased against Hindus and demanded they be revised to give a kindlier depiction of the caste system, and to downplay the role of patriarchy in India. —Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024

But the kindly decision wasn't popular with the pup, who clearly didn't want to give up any of his beloved toys. —David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024

Adverb

In one instance, a kindly waitress protects Cheryl during her casual but hostile date with Rodney by refusing to serve them another round at Cheryl’s subtle signaling. —Tomris Laffly, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2024

When kindly suburban businesswoman Peg (Dianne West) takes him in, Edward's soft heart and artistic skills win over her family — particularly her teenage daughter (Winona Ryder) — but the very hands that create beauty also stir fear, causing the neighbors to sharpen their pitchforks. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English cyndelīc, from cynd

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing kindly

• look kindly on/upon
• take kindly to

Kids Definition

kindly

1 of 2 adjective

kind·​ly ˈkīn-(d)lē 

kindlier; kindliest

1

: pleasant or wholesome in nature

a kindly climate

2

: of a sympathetic or generous nature

kindly men

kindliness noun

kindly

2 of 2 adverb

1

: in a willing manner

does not take kindly to criticism

2

a

: in a kind manner

treat animals kindly

b

: in an appreciative manner

I would take it kindly if you would put in a good word for us

c

: in an obliging manner

they kindly asked us to go along

d

: as a matter of courtesy : please

kindly pass the salt