1
a
: in a kind manner : sympathetically
b
: as a gesture of goodwill
would take it kindly if you would put in a good word
: in an appreciative manner
She didn't respond kindly to the suggestion.
c
: in a gracious manner : courteously
they kindly invited us along
d
: as a matter of courtesy : please
would you kindly order me a cab
2
a
dated
: readily
But he had his gravelled walks, his poets' avenue of yews, that grew kindly, his sundials with their graceful and melancholy admonitions, …—
Francis Brett Young
Francis Brett YoungAt Pisa he saw something both of Trelawny and of Byron, who took to him kindly …—Sidney Colvin
Sidney Colvin
b
: in the normal way : naturally
old wounds which had healed kindly—Amer. Mercury
Amer. Mercurysee also take kindly to
Synonyms
Examples of kindly in a Sentence
Adjective
A kindly woman helped him find his way home.
brought homemade chicken soup out of kindly concern for my health
Adverb
She always treats animals kindly.
They kindly offered to help us.
Recent Examples on the WebArmond White, National Review, 21 Feb. 2024
While Cottin, largely unknown to American audiences, is inscrutable in the best way, her stern exterior belying her kindly heart.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for kindly 
Adjective
Fans willing to overlook the obvious vapidity of director Rob Reiner, a hostile Democrat-progressive zealot, prove that some conservatives are bamboozled by liberalism’s kindly pretense.
—Armond White, National Review, 21 Feb. 2024
While Cottin, largely unknown to American audiences, is inscrutable in the best way, her stern exterior belying her kindly heart.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for kindly
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kindly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near kindly
Cite this Entry
“Kindly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kindly. Accessed 6 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
kindly
1 of 2 adjective
kind·ly
ˈkīn-(d)lē 
kindlier; kindliest
1
: pleasant or wholesome in nature
a kindly climate
2
: of a sympathetic or generous nature
kindly men
kindliness
noun
kindly
2 of 2 adverb1
: in a willing manner
does not take kindly to criticism
2
a
: in a kind manner
treat animals kindly
b
: in an appreciative manner
I would take it kindly if you would put in a good word for us
c
: in an obliging manner
they kindly asked us to go along
d
: as a matter of courtesy : please
kindly pass the salt
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