kindliness
kindliness Lexical Profile
kindliness Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The quality or state of having a warm, sympathetic, and benevolent disposition toward others.
"The retired professor was fondly remembered by generations of students for his unfailing patience and kindliness."
A kindly, considerate, or benevolent act or gesture.
"Small everyday kindlinesses among neighbors helped build a welcoming and supportive community."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'kindness' refers broadly to any benevolent act or considerate treatment, 'kindliness' emphasizes an enduring, gentle, and sympathetic personal disposition.
• Rhymes for kindliness
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English as 'kindelinesse', from 'kindeli' (kindly, natural) + '-nesse'. In Old English, the root 'cynde' meant 'natural' or 'native', which gradually evolved into the sense of showing natural affection and benevolence toward one's kin and others.