kindly
gb/kˈaɪndli/ us/kˈaɪndli/
A2
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
A2
property
1
In a polite or considerate manner
In a polite and nice way.
Usage pattern:
to speak/ask [someone] kindly
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'kindly' with 'kind of', which has a very different meaning.
Synonyms
politely (Neutral term without the slightly old-fashioned or formal tone of 'kindly'.)
|
courteously (More formal and emphasizes respect and manners.)
Antonyms
rudely (Opposite in tone, showing lack of respect or consideration.)
Collocations
kindly ask
|kindly reply
|speak kindly
|kindly consider
Themes
politeness
|communication
|social
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She smiled and spoke kindly to the nervous child.
- The receptionist kindly explained the process to me.
- He kindly offered to carry my bags.
- Please respond kindly to all customer inquiries.
Learner examples
- She spoke kindly to me.
- He asked me kindly to sit down.
- The teacher answered the question kindly.
adverb
formal
B1
entity
2
As a polite request word
Used to ask someone politely to do something.
Usage pattern:
kindly [verb] [object]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this form in casual conversation, where it can sound overly formal or sarcastic.
Synonyms
please ('Please' is more common in everyday speech; 'kindly' is more formal or old-fashioned.)
Antonyms
demand (A direct or forceful request without politeness.)
Collocations
kindly note
|kindly refrain
|kindly provide
Themes
politeness
|formal
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Kindly return the completed form by Friday.
- We ask that you kindly refrain from smoking in this area.
- Kindly direct all questions to the front desk.
Learner examples
- Kindly sign your name here.
- Kindly wait outside the room.
- Kindly call us if you have questions.
adjective
B1
property
3
Gentle and caring in nature
Friendly and wanting to help people.
Usage pattern:
a kindly [person/smile/gesture]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'kindly' as an adjective with 'kind', which is more common for describing people.
Synonyms
benevolent (More formal; emphasizes charitable intentions.)
|
kind-hearted (Informal; stresses emotional warmth.)
Antonyms
unkind (Lacking kindness or compassion.)
|
cruel (Actively causing pain or suffering.)
Collocations
kindly old man
|kindly smile
|kindly gesture
Themes
personality
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The kindly nurse comforted the patient.
- He gave me a kindly smile before leaving.
- She was known as a kindly and generous neighbor.
Learner examples
- The teacher is a kindly woman.
- He gave me a kindly look.
- Our kindly neighbor brings us food.
Grammar
Expressions
take it kindly
1/tˈeɪk ˈɪt kˈaɪndli/
fixed phrase
React positively to words or actions
To respond in a good or friendly way to something someone says or does.
Examples
- She didn’t take it kindly when he joked about her work.
- He took the criticism kindly and promised to improve.
thank you kindly
1/θˈæŋk jˈu kˈaɪndli/
fixed phrase
informal
Warm expression of thanks
An informal and warm way to say thank you.
Examples
- Thank you kindly for your help today.
- "Thank you kindly," he said with a smile.
would you kindly
1/wˈʊd jˈu kˈaɪndli/
fixed phrase
formal
Polite way to ask someone to do something
A formal way to ask someone to do something politely.
Examples
- Would you kindly close the door?
- Would you kindly send me the report by Monday?