Kind vs. Kinda — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 29, 2024
"Kind" refers to being friendly and considerate; "kinda" is a colloquial contraction of "kind of," used to indicate something is somewhat or approximately true.
Difference Between Kind and Kinda
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Kind" is an adjective describing someone's nature or behavior that is generous and considerate, showing a sympathetic or helpful temperament. Whereas "kinda" is an informal adverb meaning "somewhat" or "to some extent," used in casual conversation to soften statements or express uncertainty.
The usage of "kind" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, suggesting genuine qualities of compassion and care. On the other hand, "kinda" is primarily used in informal spoken English and is often avoided in formal writing due to its casual nature.
"Kind" can modify nouns directly, as in "a kind person" or "a kind gesture," indicating the presence of kindness. Conversely, "kinda" modifies adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs, as in "kinda nice" or "kinda want to go," implying a less definite or full commitment to the adjective or action it modifies.
In literature and written communication, "kind" enriches the text by providing a clear description of a character's traits or actions. In contrast, "kinda" is used more in dialogues or first-person narratives to reflect spoken language and informal speech patterns.
When teaching English, "kind" is often used to exemplify positive character traits and vocabulary that are universally understood and appreciated. Meanwhile, "kinda" might be introduced in lessons about informal language and how it differs from standard English usage.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Generous, considerate
Somewhat, to some extent
Usage Context
Formal and informal
Mostly informal
Part of Speech
Adjective
Adverb
Example of Use
"She is a kind individual."
"I'm kinda tired."
Formality
Suitable for all settings
Suitable for casual settings
Compare with Definitions
Kind
She's kinda my friend.
Indicates a casual approximation.
Kinda
He showed his kind nature by helping the lost tourist.
Friendly and considerate.
Kind
I kinda like this song.
Suggests a mild or vague degree.
Kinda
We need more kind people in the world.
Of a good or benevolent nature or disposition.
Kind
I kinda think we should leave now.
Used to soften statements in conversation.
Kinda
It was very kind of you to come.
Helpful and caring towards others.
Kind
It's kinda cold outside, isn't it?
Used to indicate slight truth or agreement.
Kinda
She was kind enough to lend me her notes.
Showing sympathy or understanding.
Kind
I'm kinda hungry, could we get some food?
Informal for kind of.
Kinda
A kind gesture can make someone's day.
Characterized by benevolence.
Kind
A group of people or things having similar characteristics
More data of this kind would be valuable
All kinds of music
Kinda
(colloquial) kind of; somewhat
I kinda hafta do this right now.
That's kinda funny.
Kind
Each of the elements (bread and wine) of the Eucharist
Communion in both kinds
Kinda
Yes in some respects but no in other respects.
"Are you afraid of a little bit of rain?" "Kinda, yeah."
Kind
Having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature
He was very kind to me
She was a good, kind woman
Kinda
A subspecies of baboon, Papio cynocephalus kindae, primarily found in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and possibly western Tanzania.
Kind
Having or showing a friendly, generous, sympathetic, or warm-hearted nature.
Kinda
To some (great or small) extent;
It was rather cold
The party was rather nice
The knife is rather dull
I rather regret that I cannot attend
He's rather good at playing the cello
He is kind of shy
Kind
Agreeable or beneficial
A dry climate kind to asthmatics.
Kind
A group of individuals or instances sharing common traits; a category or sort
Different kinds of furniture.
A new kind of politics.
Kind
A doubtful or borderline member of a given category
Fashioned a kind of shelter.
A kind of bluish color.
Kind
Underlying character as a determinant of the class to which a thing belongs; nature or essence.
Kind
The natural order or course of things; nature.
Kind
Manner or fashion.
Kind
Lineal ancestry or descent.
Kind
Lineal ancestors or descendants considered as a group.
Kind
A type, race or category; a group of entities that have common characteristics such that they may be grouped together.
What kind of a person are you?
This is a strange kind of tobacco.
Kind
A makeshift or otherwise atypical specimen.
The opening served as a kind of window.
Kind
(archaic) One's inherent nature; character, natural disposition.
Kind
(archaic) Family, lineage.
Kind
(archaic) Manner.
Kind
Goods or services used as payment, as e.g. in barter.
Kind
Equivalent means used as response to an action.
I'll pay in kind for his insult.
Kind
(Christianity) Each of the two elements of the communion service, bread and wine.
Kind
Having a benevolent, courteous, friendly, generous, gentle, liberal, sympathetic, or warm-hearted nature or disposition, marked by consideration for – and service to – others.
Kind
Affectionate.
A kind man; a kind heart
Kind
Favorable.
Kind
Mild, gentle, forgiving
The years have been kind to Richard Gere; he ages well.
Kind
Gentle; tractable; easily governed.
A horse kind in harness
Kind
(obsolete) Characteristic of the species; belonging to one's nature; natural; native.
Kind
Characteristic of the species; belonging to one's nature; natural; native.
It becometh sweeter than it should be, and loseth the kind taste.
Kind
Having feelings befitting our common nature; congenial; sympathetic; as, a kind man; a kind heart.
Yet was he kind, or if severe in aught,The love he bore to learning was his fault.
Kind
Showing tenderness or goodness; disposed to do good and confer happiness; averse to hurting or paining; benevolent; benignant; gracious.
He is kind unto the unthankful and to evil.
O cruel Death, to those you take more kindThan to the wretched mortals left behind.
A fellow feeling makes one wondrous kind.
Kind
Proceeding from, or characterized by, goodness, gentleness, or benevolence; as, a kind act.
Kind
Gentle; tractable; easily governed; as, a horse kind in harness.
Kind
Nature; natural instinct or disposition.
He knew by kind and by no other lore.
Some of you, on pure instinct of nature,Are led by kind t'admire your fellow-creature.
Kind
Race; genus; species; generic class; as, in mankind or humankind.
Every kind of beasts, and of birds.
She follows the law of her kind.
Here to sow the seed of bread,That man and all the kinds be fed.
Kind
Sort; type; class; nature; style; character; fashion; manner; variety; description; as, there are several kinds of eloquence, of style, and of music; many kinds of government; various kinds of soil, etc.
How diversely Love doth his pageants play,And snows his power in variable kinds !
There is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
Diogenes was asked in a kind of scorn: What was the matter that philosophers haunted rich men, and not rich men philosophers?
Tax on tillage was often levied in kind upon corn.
Kind
To beget.
Kind
A category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality;
Sculpture is a form of art
What kinds of desserts are there?
Kind
Having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior;
Kind to sick patients
A kind master
Kind words showing understanding and sympathy
Thanked her for her kind letter
Kind
Liberal;
Kind words of praise
Kind
Conducive to comfort; beneficial;
The genial sunshine
A kind climate
Hot summer pavements are anything but kind to the feet
Kind
Expressing sympathy
Kind
Characterized by mercy, and compassion;
Compassionate toward disadvantaged people
Kind to animals
A humane judge
Kind
Agreeable;
A dry climate kind to asthmatics
Kind
Helpful to other people;
Helping an old lady with her bundles was his kind deed for the day
Kind
Tolerant and forgiving under provocation;
Our neighbor was very kind about the window our son broke
Kind
Showing consideration and anticipation of needs;
It was thoughtful of you to bring flowers
A neighbor showed thoughtful attention
Kind
Generously responsive;
Good-hearted but inept efforts to help
Take a kindly interest
A kindly gentleman
An openhearted gift to charity
Common Curiosities
How is "kinda" used in a sentence?
"Kinda" is used as an informal adverb to indicate something is somewhat true, e.g., "I'm kinda tired."
Is "kinda" acceptable in formal communication?
No, "kinda" is considered too casual and is typically avoided in formal writing.
What part of speech is "kind"?
"Kind" is an adjective.
Can "kind" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "kind" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
Can "kind" modify a noun directly?
Yes, "kind" can directly modify nouns, e.g., "a kind person."
What does "kinda" modify in a sentence?
"Kinda" modifies adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs.
Is "kinda" a word in standard English?
"Kinda" is recognized in informal English but not standard formal English.
What does "kind" mean?
"Kind" describes someone or something that is generous, considerate, and caring.
How might "kinda" be introduced in language education?
"Kinda" could be discussed when teaching about informal speech patterns and slang.
Can "kinda" imply uncertainty?
Yes, "kinda" often conveys a sense of uncertainty or partial agreement.
What part of speech is "kinda"?
"Kinda" is an adverb.
What is an example of "kind" enhancing a character description?
An example would be, "The protagonist was notably kind, often helping those in need."
Are "kind" and "kinda" interchangeable?
No, they are not interchangeable as they belong to different parts of speech and have different uses.
How does "kinda" reflect informal speech in narratives?
"Kinda" reflects informal speech and is often used in dialogues to mimic casual spoken English.
Why might "kind" be taught in English language lessons?
"Kind" is taught to illustrate positive traits and enrich vocabulary.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
