Kindness
As a Noun
- The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate towards others.
- The act of showing compassion or care, often through selfless actions.
- A behavior marked by a concern for others’ well-being, often seen in gestures of help or support.
Word History
The word kindness comes from the Old English cynd, meaning “nature” or “birth,” combined with the suffix -ness, which signifies a state or quality. Over time, the term evolved to describe not just a natural inclination but also a behavior characterized by gentleness and generosity.
Examples
- Her kindness toward the elderly made her beloved by the community.
- A simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s day.
- He showed great kindness by helping his neighbor with groceries.
Synonyms
Compassion, generosity, benevolence, charity, thoughtfulness
Related Words
Empathy, sympathy, caring, altruism
Antonyms
Cruelty, harshness, unkindness, selfishness
