kindly
kindly Lexical Profile
kindly Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
In a kind, considerate, warm, or generous manner.
"She spoke kindly to the nervous applicant and offered him a glass of water."
Used as a polite formula in spoken or written requests, or to soften a firm command (meaning 'please').
"Kindly submit all expense reports to the accounting department by Friday afternoon."
With favor, approval, or appreciation (usually used in phrases such as 'take kindly to' or 'look kindly upon').
"The committee did not look kindly upon the last-minute changes to the proposal."
• adjective
Having or showing a warm, sympathetic, benevolent, or gentle nature.
"The kindly librarian helped the young student find books for her history project."
Pleasant, mild, or favorable to growth and comfort (especially of climate or environment).
"The valley enjoys a kindly climate that allows orchards to flourish throughout the spring."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used as a request marker ('Kindly return your books on time'), 'kindly' can carry a firm, bureaucratic, or mildly impatient tone depending on context, despite its literal connection to kindness.
• Rhymes for kindly
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'cyndelic' (adjective) and 'cyndelice' (adverb), originally meaning 'natural, native, or appropriate to one's nature,' before shifting in Middle English toward 'benevolent' and 'compassionate.'