Kinds Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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kinds

[kaษชndz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

types of something

Categories or types of something that share certain characteristics.

Synonyms

sorts, types, varieties.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kinds

Informal contexts such as everyday speech and casual writing. It is often used to refer to categories or groups of things or people that share common characteristics.

  • There are many kinds of flowers in the garden.
  • She likes all kinds of music.
types

More formal or technical contexts where precise categorization or classification is required. Often used in scientific, academic, or technical writing.

  • There are different types of cells in the human body.
  • This software supports various file types.
sorts

Informal or conversational contexts, it is similar to 'kinds' but sometimes implies a more specific or detailed categorization. It can also have a slightly negative connotation when used to refer to people in an informal setting.

  • He deals with all sorts of problems at work.
  • They are not the sorts you'd want in your company.
varieties

Contexts where there is a focus on diversity or different forms within a single category, often used in horticulture, cuisine, and consumer products.

  • This vineyard produces several varieties of wine.
  • The market offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Examples of usage

  • There are many different kinds of flowers in the garden.
  • What kind of music do you like?
  • I prefer this kind of pasta over the other one.
Context #2 | Noun

characteristics

Essential nature or qualities of something; a person's character or nature.

Synonyms

benevolent, compassionate, considerate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kinds

Use to describe types or varieties of something. Common in general descriptions and categorization.

  • There are many different kinds of flowers in the garden.
  • What kinds of books do you like to read?
benevolent

Refer to someone who is well-meaning and inclined to do good. Suitable for formal contexts or when describing a person's general character.

  • She was a benevolent leader who always helped those in need.
  • His benevolent smile made everyone feel at ease.
compassionate

Describe someone who shows deep sympathy and concern for others, especially in difficult situations. Often used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing empathy.

  • The compassionate nurse comforted the grieving family.
  • He was known for his compassionate nature.
considerate

Highlight someone's thoughtfulness and care for others' feelings and needs. Suitable for everyday conversation when praising someone's behavior.

  • She's always very considerate and makes sure everyone is comfortable.
  • Thank you for your considerate gesture.

Examples of usage

  • She has a kind heart.
  • It's important to be kind to others.
  • The teacher praised his kind behavior.
Context #3 | Adjective

friendly and generous

Having a friendly, generous, or warm-hearted nature.

Synonyms

friendly, generous, warm-hearted.

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Word Description / Examples
friendly

Refers to someone who is open and approachable, making others feel welcome and comfortable.

  • The new neighbor is very friendly and quickly became popular in the community.
  • A friendly smile can brighten up anyone's day.
generous

Used to describe someone who is willing to give more of something, like time or money, than is usual or expected, often with a sense of selflessness.

  • She is generous with her time, always volunteering at local shelters.
  • He made a generous donation to the charity.
warm-hearted

Refers to someone who is emotionally supportive and caring, making others feel loved and valued.

  • His warm-hearted nature makes him a great friend.
  • She gave him a warm-hearted hug when she saw he was feeling down.

Examples of usage

  • She is a kind person who is always willing to help others.
  • It was very kind of you to offer your assistance.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, 'kinds' refer to different species within a genus, denoting a fundamental unit of classification.
  • The concept of 'kinds' is central to taxonomy, where living organisms are grouped based on shared traits.
  • In evolution, different 'kinds' adapt to their environments, leading to biodiversity.

Literature

  • Authors often explore 'kinds' of love in literature, showcasing emotional diversity in human relationships.
  • Character development in stories often revolves around the exploration of different 'kinds' of personalities.
  • Poetry frequently captures the essence of lifeโ€™s 'kinds,' conveying complex feelings through varied expressions.

Culture

  • Different cultures celebrate various 'kinds' of festivals, reflecting their unique traditions and customs.
  • Art can be categorized into different 'kinds,' such as classical, contemporary, or folk, highlighting cultural significance.
  • Food cultures around the world showcase various 'kinds' of dishes, demonstrating diversity in cuisine.

Psychology

  • Psychologists study different 'kinds' of behavior, helping to understand complex human actions and motivations.
  • Different 'kinds' of learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) influence how individuals absorb information.
  • Personality theories often categorize individuals into different 'kinds,' aiding in self-understanding and relationships.

Origin of 'kinds'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'cynd', meaning 'nature' or 'birth'.
  • In Middle English, it evolved to 'kinde', reflecting a sense of shared characteristics among groups.
  • The transition to the modern form 'kinds' shows how language adapts to describe various classifications.

The word 'kinds' originated from Middle English 'kynde', which in turn came from Old English 'cynd', meaning 'class, race, kind'. The term has evolved over time to represent various categories, types, and characteristics of things or people. 'Kinds' is commonly used in everyday language to differentiate between different types of entities and to describe the nature or qualities of something.


See also: kind, kinden, kindergarten, kindle, kindling, kindly, kindness, kindred, unkind, unkindly, unkindness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,448, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.