kindly

Kindly is defined as something done in a caring or compassionate manner, or is a word used to request something in an overly-polite manner.

(adverb)

  1. When you give someone a reprieve from answering a question and you do so out of compassion, this is an example of when you kindly let them off the hook.
  2. If you want someone to be quiet and you ask them in a rude way, this is an example of when you might say "would you kindly shut up please."

The definition of kindly is someone gentle, pleasant or compassionate.

(adjective)

A sweet, gentle and nice old woman is an example of a kindly old woman.

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See kindly in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective kindlier, kindliest

  1. kind; gracious; benign
  2. agreeable; pleasant: a kindly climate
  3. Archaic natural; native; innate

Origin: ME cyndelich < OE (ge)cyndelic, natural < cynd(e): see kind

adverb kindlier, kindliest

  1. in a kind, gracious manner
  2. agreeably; favorably
  3. as a courtesy; please: kindly shut the door
  4. Obsolete naturally: now only in ,a) to be naturally attracted to b) to accept willingly

Related Forms:

See kindly in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective kind·li·er, kind·li·est
  1. Of a sympathetic, helpful, or benevolent nature: a kindly interest; a gentle, kindly soul. See Synonyms at kind1.
  2. Agreeable; pleasant: a kindly breeze.
  3. a. Archaic Within the law; lawful.
    b. Obsolete Natural to its kind.
adverb
  1. Out of kindness: She kindly overlooked their mistake.
  2. In a kind manner: He spoke kindly to us.
  3. Pleasantly; agreeably: The sun shone kindly.
  4. In an accommodating manner: Would you kindly fill in your name and address?
  5. Obsolete In a way or course that is natural; fittingly.

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