kind
0 antonyms and opposites of kind, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A type or category of thing that shares common features with others.
How to use kind
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English gecynd, "nature, birth, family" — originally meaning something closer to "kin" or "inborn nature" before it split into today's separate meanings of "type" and "gentle/caring."
Full origin of kind →Frequently asked questions
What does “kind” mean?
The word “kind” means a type or category of thing that shares common features with others. In plain terms, either a type/category of something, or (as an adjective) someone gentle, generous, and thoughtful toward others.
How do you pronounce “kind”?
“Kind” is pronounced kynd (/kaɪnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “kind” in a sentence?
Here is “kind” used in a sentence: “What kind of music do you like?”
What is another word for “kind”?
Words with a similar meaning to “kind” include genre, sort, type, generation, derivative and offspring.
What part of speech is “kind”?
Depending on how it is used, “kind” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “kind” come from?
The word “kind” comes from Old English. From Old English gecynd, "nature, birth, family" — originally meaning something closer to "kin" or "inborn nature" before it split into today's separate meanings of "type" and "gentle/caring.".
Is “kind” a common word?
“Kind” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “kind” have?
“Kind” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a type or category of thing that shares common features with others.
What is the difference between 'kind' and 'type'?
'Kind' and 'type' are close synonyms, both meaning a category of things that share features. 'Type' can feel slightly more precise or technical, while 'kind' is a touch more informal and everyday. In most sentences the two are interchangeable, so 'what kind of car' and 'what type of car' mean the same thing.
Is 'kind' a noun or an adjective?
'Kind' works as both. As a noun it means a type or category, as in 'a kind of fruit.' As an adjective it means gentle, caring, or considerate, as in 'a kind person.' The two senses are unrelated in meaning, so the context makes clear which one applies.
What does 'kind of' mean?
'Kind of' has two uses. Literally it introduces a category, as in 'what kind of music do you like?' Informally, 'kind of' softens a statement to mean 'somewhat' or 'a little,' as in 'I'm kind of tired.' The casual sense is very common in spoken English.
What is an example of 'kind' meaning a category?
'Whales are a kind of mammal, not a fish.' Here 'kind' groups whales into the broader category of mammals based on shared features. Other examples include 'this kind of problem' or 'a new kind of technology,' where 'kind' points to a class of similar things.