Kindness (noun)
Definition
Kindness is the quality or act of being friendly, generous, considerate, and compassionate towards others. It involves showing empathy, understanding, and warmth in one’s actions and words, often to make others feel valued and supported.
Etymology
The word kindness comes from the Middle English term kindenes, which evolved from the Old English word cynnes or cynd. These Old English words were related to the Germanic word kunjas, which means kin or family.
This historical connection suggests that kindness originally had connotations of showing care and consideration within one’s kin or family, and over time, it expanded to encompass benevolence towards others beyond immediate family ties.
Synonyms
- Benevolence
- Compassion
- Generosity
- Goodwill
- Sympathy
- Tenderness
- Altruism
- Empathy
- Grace
- Humanity
Antonyms
- Cruelty
- Hostility
- Indifference
- Harshness
- Unkindness
- Meanness
- Selfishness
- Insensitivity
- Coldness
Example
While there are countless examples of kindness in everyday life, here’s a unique historical example: During World War II, a small village in Southern France named Le Chambon-sur-Lignon became a haven for Jews fleeing from Nazi persecution.
The entire community, led by the local pastor André Trocmé, practiced kindness and took significant risks to shelter and protect around 5,000 Jewish refugees. Their remarkable compassion and solidarity saved numerous lives during a dark period in history.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why is kindness important in society?
Kindness is crucial in society as it fosters positive relationships, reduces conflicts, and promotes a sense of belonging and well-being among individuals. It helps create a supportive and compassionate community where people feel valued and understood, leading to increased cooperation and empathy.
How does kindness impact mental health?
Engaging in acts of kindness has been shown to have positive effects on mental health. It can reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness and life satisfaction, and contribute to a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Related Content:
- Zygote
- Zinc
- Yucca
- Yoga
- Yin
- Zither
- Zealotry
- Zonation
- Zymology
- Zoom
- Zigzag
- Zenith
- Yellow
- Yearbook
- Yarn
- Yard
- Yoyo
- Youth
- Yokel
- Yield
- Xylyl
- Xerarch
- Xiphoid
- Xeriscape
- Xanthan
- X-axis
- Xerography
- Xenon
- Xenophobia
- Wind
- While
- Week
- Wedding
- Web
- Weather
- Weakness
- Wealth
- Way
- War
- Vanity
- Vanilla
- Vampire
- Valor
- Valise
- Vale
- Unity
- Unanimity
- Undertaking
- Umbrage
- Umbilical cord
- Uber
- Utopia
- Utility
- Usurpation
- Thanks
- Television
- Term
- Tension
- Tennis
- Tea
- Technology
- Task
- Table
- Selection
- Sector
- Security
- Secretary
- Science
- School
- Scene
- Service
- Scale
- Satisfaction
- Salt
- Salad
- Region
- Refrigerator
- Reflection
- Recognition
- Reception
- Reality
- Reaction
- Ratio
- Rate
- Range
- Quickstep
- Quarter
- Quarantine
- Quality
- Quagmire
- Quadrant
- Period
- Performance
- Perception
- Payment
- Patience
- Passion
- Part
- Painting
- Paint
- Page
- October
- Oven
- Outside
- Order
- Organization
- Orange
- Oile
- Office
- Object
- Nut
- Nothing
- Marriage
- Marketing
- Management
- Man
- Line
- Language
- Ladder
- Kangaroo
- Income
- Improvement
- Impression
- Image
- Face
- Imagination
- Head
- Health
- Heart
- Heat
- Historians
- Height
- Game
- Guest
- Growth
- Group
- Gate
- Flight
- Fish
- Fire
- Film
- Field
- Feedback
- Election
- Effect
- Education
- Ear
- Date
- Database
- Departure
Explore A-Z Nouns List:
| A | B | C | D |
| E | F | G | H |
| I | J | K | L |
| M | N | O | P |
| Q | R | S | T |
| U | V | W | X |
| Y | Z |