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Unkindness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ก
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unkindness

[สŒnหˆkaษชndnษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

behavior

Lack of kindness or compassion towards others, cruelty or hostility.

Synonyms

cruelty, hostility, meanness.

Examples of usage

  • He was shocked by the unkindness of his colleagues.
  • She couldn't understand the unkindness of some people.
Context #2 | Noun

group of birds

A group of ravens.

Synonyms

group of ravens.

Examples of usage

  • An unkindness of ravens flew overhead.
  • The eerie unkindness of ravens gathered in the trees.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that unkind actions can lead to feelings of sadness in both the person being treated poorly and even the one being unkind.
  • People who often engage in unkindness might be struggling with their own feelings of insecurity or unhappiness.
  • Acts of unkindness can create a cycle, where one person's negativity influences others to also act unkind.

History

  • Historical texts often highlight the consequences of unkind behavior, demonstrating its impact on societies, such as fostering division and conflict.
  • Famous leaders throughout history have shown the importance of kindness, emphasizing how unkindness can lead to social unrest.

Literature

  • In classic literature, unkindness often serves as a key conflict, illustrating the moral lessons that characters learn through their interactions.
  • Many children's stories emphasize the importance of kindness, often contrasting it with examples of unkindness to teach valuable life lessons.

Pop Culture

  • Numerous movies and TV shows depict unkindness in characters to highlight their development or eventual redemption.
  • Popular music often touches on themes of treating others kindly, warning against the perils of unkindness in relationships.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have explored the nature of unkindness and its moral implications, questioning whether it stems from ignorance or a deeper ethical failing.
  • The concept of unkindness raises questions about our responsibilities toward others, emphasizing the value of empathy and compassion.

Origin of 'unkindness'

The word 'unkindness' originated from the Middle English 'unkindenesse', which was derived from the Old English 'uncyndnes'. The prefix 'un-' signifies negation, while 'kind' comes from the Old English 'gecynd', meaning 'nature' or 'kind'. Over time, the term evolved to represent the opposite of kindness, emphasizing cruelty and lack of compassion. The usage of 'unkindness' has been documented in various literary works and continues to be relevant in modern English.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,705, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.