Kindness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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kindness

[ˈkʌɪn(d)nəs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

showing compassion

Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It involves showing compassion, empathy, and understanding towards others. Kindness is often expressed through acts of helping, giving, and supporting those in need. It is a fundamental aspect of human nature that fosters positive relationships and creates a sense of community.

Synonyms

compassion, consideration, empathy, generosity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
kindness	Kindness is a general term used to describe friendly, considerate, and generous behavior towards others. It's a broad term that applies to many situations where you want to highlight someone's positive actions. Her kindness to strangers is truly inspiring His kindness was evident when he stayed late to help his colleague finish the project
compassion	Compassion is used when someone shows deep sympathy and sorrow for others who are suffering, accompanied by a desire to help. It often involves a higher emotional involvement related to another's misfortune. Her compassion for the homeless led her to volunteer at the shelter His compassion was clear when he offered to cover for his co-worker who was going through a tough time
generosity	Generosity refers to the quality of being willing to give more of something, such as money, time, or kindness, than is strictly necessary or expected. Her generosity was clear when she donated a significant portion of her salary to the charity His generosity with his time helped the community project succeed
consideration	Consideration is used to describe the thoughtful regard for the needs and feelings of others. It's often used in situations where someone is being mindful and respectful. He showed great consideration by asking if it was okay to play music while she worked Her consideration for her neighbors was evident when she kept the noise down during their nap times
empathy	Empathy refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It goes beyond sympathy, involving a deeper emotional connection. She felt great empathy for her friend who had just lost her job His speech on overcoming adversity showed empathy for those struggling with similar issues

Examples of usage

Her kindness towards the homeless man touched everyone's hearts.
The kindness of strangers restored his faith in humanity.
Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's day.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'kindness' comes from the Old English word 'cynd', which means 'nature' or 'family', emphasizing the natural human tendency to care for one another.
In Middle English, 'kind' referred to being born of, or belonging to, a particular group, highlighting the communal aspect of kindness.
Throughout history, kindness has been recognized in many cultures as a fundamental virtue, often linked to religious teachings and moral philosophy.

Psychology

Research shows that practicing kindness can boost overall happiness levels, both for the giver and the receiver.
Acts of kindness release oxytocin, often called the 'love hormone', which helps reduce stress and improve heart health.
Engaging in kind behaviors can create a ripple effect, inspiring more kindness in others and enhancing social connections.

Pop Culture

Numerous films and books highlight the impact of kindness, such as 'Pay It Forward', which revolves around creating a chain of generous acts.
Songs like 'What a Wonderful World' celebrate kindness by illustrating how small acts of care can make life beautiful.
Social media campaigns often use hashtags like #RandomActsOfKindness to promote and inspire acts of goodwill among strangers.

Literature

In Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol', the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge showcases the profound effect of kindness on personal redemption.
The famous children's book 'Wonder' promotes the idea of being kind, encouraging readers to 'choose kind' in their interactions with others.
Many fairy tales emphasize kindness as a virtue that is often rewarded, indicating its cultural importance across generations.

Science

Studies in neuroscience suggest that witnessing or performing acts of kindness activates the brain's pleasure centers, making you feel good.
Altruism, a significant aspect of kindness, has evolutionary roots; helping others boosts survival for communities.
Kindness can be measured through psychological assessments and has shown links to improved mental health outcomes in various populations.

Origin of 'kindness'

The word 'kindness' originated from the Old English word 'cynnes', which meant 'family, race, kind, or nature'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the quality of being friendly and generous. Kindness has been valued and promoted in various cultures and religions as a virtue that leads to harmony and well-being in society. Acts of kindness have been celebrated in literature, art, and philosophy as essential expressions of humanity.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,294 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5291 levy
5292 vitamin
5293 fertility
5294 kindness
5295 regulating
5296 grandfather
5297 temper
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