kindness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'kindness' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an act of being kind, such as offering help, being hospitable, or giving of oneself. For example: "She showed great kindness when she visited the elderly neighbor at the nursing home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was an alcoholic arrested more than 400 times, but clearly found some kindness in the unexpected surroundings of the House of Detention where she made the cushion in 1879 and presented it to the warden.

The Guardian

Acts of random violence and kindness co-exist in both novels as the characters criss-cross each other's lives and the bleak landscapes.

The Guardian - Books

Some Conservatives said his address, focusing on her faith and personal kindness, would do more to strengthen her political legacy than many of the more divisive, political eulogies delivered in the past week by her former colleagues.

The Guardian

Always elegant, always formidable, but also capable of personal kindness to her staff and helpers, she understood Tory men.

The Guardian

Would it be too much to hope that officials could incorporate a bit more kindness into their work – while still discharging their duties to enforce regulations and the law?

The Guardian - Opinion

Rosewater is a torturer, but insists he is restrained by "Islamic kindness", and is generous with his tea and biscuits.

The Guardian

That's simple human kindness we should all show one another regardless of gender.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ultimately, he is shown to be a man who is capable of loving women with respect and kindness, even if he is a bit of a weirdo.

The Guardian - Film

This is a dangerous precedent – irrespective of the kindness of student union officers, they're not trained counsellors and shouldn't be expected to act as a replacement.

The Guardian

I recall election night in 1999 – not a good night for the SNP, but Charles showed tremendous kindness and support that evening.

The Guardian

Dr Clara Strauss, research lead at Sussex Mindfulness Centre, emphasises that MBCT teachers in training learn to have an attitude of acceptance: "Mindfulness is not about getting rid of negative thoughts, it's about learning to sit with and tolerate all of our experiences, including difficult experiences, with kindness and compassion towards ourselves.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kindness" to describe both actions and inherent qualities, emphasizing its broad applicability in human interactions.

Common error

While "kindness" is a positive trait, avoid using it excessively in sentimental or overly emotional writing. Balance descriptions of kindness with concrete actions or specific examples to maintain credibility and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "kindness" is as a noun. It refers to the state or quality of being kind, or a specific instance of kind behavior. Ludwig AI affirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its role as a subject or object within sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

20%

Books

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kindness" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state of being kind or an act of being kind. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. This term appears across various contexts, from news and media to lifestyle and books, highlighting its universal relevance. While "kindness" is generally neutral in register, avoid overuse in overly sentimental contexts. Alternatives include "compassion", "benevolence", and "generosity", each offering a nuanced perspective on the concept. Use "kindness" thoughtfully and purposefully to enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compassion

Focuses more on empathy and understanding toward suffering.

benevolence

Highlights a disposition to do good and be charitable.

generosity

Emphasizes the act of giving or sharing resources and time.

goodness

Refers to moral excellence and virtuous behavior.

humanity

Highlights the positive qualities and acts of kindness inherent in human nature.

charity

Specifically involves giving aid to those in need, often through organizations.

thoughtfulness

Focuses on considering the needs and feelings of others.

consideration

Stresses being mindful and respectful in interactions.

graciousness

Involves politeness, courtesy, and elegance in behavior.

sympathy

Emphasizes feeling sorrow or pity for someone's misfortune.

FAQs

How can I use "kindness" in a sentence?

You can use "kindness" to describe a general quality (e.g., "Her kindness was evident in all her actions") or a specific act (e.g., "Showing kindness to strangers can make a big difference").

What are some words similar to "kindness"?

Alternatives include "compassion", "benevolence", and "generosity". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of being kind.

Is it correct to say "a kindness"?

Yes, "a kindness" can be used to refer to a specific act of being kind. For example, "She performed a kindness by helping her neighbor with groceries".

What is the difference between "kindness" and "being nice"?

"Kindness" often implies a deeper level of empathy and action, while "being nice" can sometimes be superficial. Kindness involves genuine care and concern for others, which may require more effort than simply being polite or agreeable.