kindly
kind·ly [kindly kindlier kindliest] adverb, adjective BrE [ˈkaɪndli] NAmE [ˈkaɪndli]
adverb
1. in a kind way
• She spoke kindly to them.
• He has kindly agreed to help.
2. (old-fashioned, formal)used to ask or tell sb to do sth, especially when you are annoyed
• Kindly leave me alone!
• Visitors are kindly requested to sign the book.
Word Origin:
Old English: adverb from gecyndelīce ‘naturally, characteristically’ (see the adjective ↑kind, ↑-ly); adjective from gecyndelīc ‘natural’ (see the noun ↑kind, ↑-ly).
Example Bank:
•‘Don't worry, Jo,’ he said kindly.
•She kindly agreed to give me a ride home.
Idioms: ↑look kindly on somebody ▪ ↑not take kindly to somebody
Derived Word: ↑kindliness
adjective only before noun (old-fashioned or literary)
kind and caring
Word Origin:
Old English: adverb from gecyndelīce ‘naturally, characteristically’ (see the adjective ↑kind, ↑-ly); adjective from gecyndelīc ‘natural’ (see the noun ↑kind, ↑-ly).
Example Bank:
•The doctor was a quiet, kindly man.
•The teachers were generally gentle and kindly.
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