Definition of the word kindly

The word "kindly" has its roots in Old English and Germanic languages. The earliest recorded use of the word dates back to around 725 AD in the poem "Caedmon's Hymn", which describes God's kindness (gecyndlic) as a fundamental nature of His character. The word is derived from the Old English word "cynd", meaning "kind" or "nature", and the suffix "-ly", which forms an adverb. So, "kindly" originally meant "in accordance with one's nature" or " characteristically". Over time, the meaning of "kindly" expanded to convey a sense of benevolence, generosity, and warmth in a person's actions or behavior. Today, we use the word to express appreciation for someone's kind deeds or to describe something that is courteous, gentle, or gracious.