kindly

Everyday

1. Kindly means in a kind, gentle and caring way: «She smiled kindly». tree →
2. «Kindly» is a formal way to say «please»: «Kindly close the door». tree →
3. As an adjective, kindly means kind and friendly: «a kindly old man». tree →
4. «Not take kindly to» means not like something. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and stories, «kindly» describes caring actions: helping, sharing, speaking gently. In notices and letters, «kindly» means please, sometimes sounding strict: «Kindly keep off the grass». Phrases: «thank you kindly», «treat kindly».

Examples

• She kindly helped me carry my bags. tree →
• The nurse spoke kindly to the frightened boy. tree →
• Kindly wait here. tree →
• Treat animals kindly. tree →
• He kindly lent me his pencil. tree →
• The kindly old lady gave us apples. tree →
• The cat did not take kindly to the new puppy. tree →
• Thank you kindly for the present. tree →
• "Approach, my son," he said kindly. tree →

Note

«Kindly» can be an adverb or an adjective. As «please», it can sound cross: «Kindly stop talking!» The noun «kindness» is about the quality of being kind.

In Jewish tradition

In "deal kindly and truly," the Hebrew pairs loving-kindness and truth, which are the two qualities asked of a faithful person.

Interpretation. The rabbis call a kindness done with no thought of payment "true kindness," as when Joseph comforts his brothers after their father's death.

Examples

• Now therefore fear ye not; I will sustain you, and your little ones.' And he comforted them, and spoke kindly unto them. (Torah GEN.50.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me; and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.' (Torah GEN.24.49, JPS 1917) tree →
• The wing of the ostrich beateth joyously; but are her pinions and feathers the kindly stork's? (Writings JOB.39.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he spoke kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon. (Prophets 2KI.25.28, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law: 'Go, return each of you to her mother's house; the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. (Writings RUT.1.8, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Kindly» can be an adverb or an adjective. As «please», it can sound cross: «Kindly stop talking!» The noun «kindness» is about the quality of being kind.