kinder
gb/kˈaɪndɚ/ us/kˈaɪndɚ/
A2
English
~ 9200
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
more kind; more caring
The comparative form of *kind*, meaning more nice and caring than someone or something else.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is kinder [to someone] than [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *more kind* instead of *kinder*. While *more kind* is not wrong, *kinder* is more natural in most everyday speech. Learners may also confuse *kinder* with the German word *Kinder* meaning *children*, or with the brand name *Kinder* on chocolate products, which is unrelated to this comparative form.
Synonyms
nicer (Very close in meaning, but more general; does not always include the idea of deep care that 'kinder' can suggest.)
Antonyms
crueler (Direct comparative opposite, meaning more willing to hurt others or not care about their feelings.)
Collocations
be kinder to [someone]
|kinder to yourself
|kinder words
|kinder option
|kinder way
|kinder environment
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|character
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She decided to be kinder to herself and take a break from work.
- This policy is kinder to the environment than the old one.
- He spoke in a much kinder tone after he calmed down.
- Online shopping can be kinder on your wallet if you wait for sales.
- The new manager is kinder to the staff than the previous one was.
Learner examples
- My sister is kinder to animals than I am.
- Try to use kinder words when you talk to him.
- This teacher is kinder than our last teacher.
- We should be kinder to the planet.
- He was kinder after he heard her story.
Noun
informal
C1
entity
2
young children in kindergarten
An informal word that some teachers use to talk about the children in a kindergarten class.
Usage pattern:
[someone] teaches the kinder
Common mistake:
Learners may think this *kinder* is simply the comparative form of *kind* and try to use it that way in school contexts (e.g., *I like the kinder class* meaning *younger class*). In this informal noun sense, it refers specifically to kindergarten children, not to people who are more kind.
Synonyms
kindergartners (Standard, widely understood term; more neutral and common than the informal shorthand *kinder*.)
Antonyms
adults (Refers to fully grown people, in contrast with very young school children.)
Collocations
the kinder
|kinder class
|kinder teacher
|kinder room
Themes
education
|children
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I teach the kinder in the morning and the second graders in the afternoon.
- The kinder made a big mess with the paint today.
- We keep the playground smaller for the kinder so they feel safe.
Learner examples
- She works with the kinder at a small school.
- The kinder are learning how to read simple words.
- Please be patient; the kinder walk very slowly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
kinder
IPA
GB/kˈaɪndɚ/
US/kˈaɪndɚ/
Syllables & stress
kinder (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (kinder)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: kinder
- Comparative: kinderer
- Superlative: kinderest
Noun
- Base: kinder
- Plural: kinders
Word family
Expressions
kinder, gentler
1/kˈaɪndɚ | d͡ʒˈɛntlɚ/
fixed phrase
more kind and more gentle
Describes a way of doing something that is softer, less harsh, and more caring than an earlier way.
Examples
- Many voters hoped for a kinder, gentler style of politics.
- The company is trying to build a kinder, gentler image after the scandal.