What is kindly? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of kindly

kindlyadverb

tử tế, tốt bụng

/ˈkʌɪndli/

Definition & pronunciation of <b>kindly</b>

Where does the word kindly come from?

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.

Vocabulary summary kindly

typeadjective

meaningkind

examplea kindly hear

meaningfriendly, intimate

exampleto speak kindly

meaningpleasant (climate...)

examplewill (would) you kindly tell me the time?

typeadverb

meaningkind, considerate

examplea kindly hear

meaningfriendly

exampleto speak kindly

meaningplease (polite or sarcastic)

examplewill (would) you kindly tell me the time?

Example of vocabulary kindlynamespace

meaning

in a kind way

  • She spoke kindly to them.
  • He has kindly agreed to help.
  • ‘Don’t worry, Jo,’ he said kindly.
  • She kindly agreed to give me a ride home.
  • The doctor kindly explained the medical procedure to her nervous patient.
meaning

used to ask or tell somebody to do something, sometimes when you are annoyed

  • Kindly leave me alone!
  • Visitors are kindly requested to sign the book.

Synonyms and related words for kindly

Idioms of vocabulary kindly

kindly adjust
(Indian English)used to acknowledge and apologize for something that causes problems or difficulties and ask people to accept and adapt to the situation
  • The store will be closed this afternoon due to staffing shortages. Kindly adjust.
look kindly on/upon something/somebody
(formal)to approve of something/somebody
  • He hoped they would look kindly on his request.
not take kindly to something/somebody
to not like something/somebody
  • She doesn't take kindly to sudden change.

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