Kindness
/ˈkaɪnd.nəs/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe state of being kind.
nounAn instance of kind or charitable behaviour.
Sentence Examples
I would like to repay your kindness in the near future.
Kyoko had the kindness to carry my baggage for me.
CEFR Practice Quiz
She showed great ____ by helping the old woman cross the street.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A small act of ____ can make a big difference in someone's day, especially if they are feeling sad.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English kyndenesse, equivalent to kind + -ness.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"If attending to your childhood wounds and responding with kindness feels selfish, it is important to remember that compassion for oneself often makes people more compassionate to others, Lev said."
— 2025 April 28, Madeline Holcombe, “It might be time to ‘reparent’ yourself. Here’s how to get started”, in CNN:
"They are grateful for kindnesses that they may have received."
— 1911, James George Frazer, The Golden Bough, volume 8, page 232:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
She showed great ____ by helping the old woman cross the street.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A small act of ____ can make a big difference in someone's day, especially if they are feeling sad.