Kindness vs. Kindliness: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 9, 2023
Kindness refers to the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate, whereas kindliness implies a gentle, kind-hearted, compassionate nature, subtly highlighting warmth and tenderness.
Key Differences
Kindness often is associated with actions and behaviors that exhibit benevolence and a general disposition towards being caring and considerate towards others. It is somewhat a broad term, enveloping varied forms of generous acts, sympathetic concerns, and charitable behaviors. Kindness may be displayed through altruistic actions or demonstrating understanding and compassion towards others.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
On the other hand, kindliness is akin to kindness but slightly different in tone and usage. Kindliness tends to exude a certain gentle, soft, and warm-hearted nature. It somewhat extends beyond the mere acts of kindness to incorporate a consistent, inherent nature of gentleness and warmth. Kindliness thus does not only refer to acts but also a persistent gentle disposition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
An act of kindness can be sporadic, occasional, or done without involving deeper emotional elements. For instance, a person might perform a kind act without necessarily feeling emotionally warm towards the recipient. Kindness could be transactional or performed out of duty, moral obligation, or external motivations such as societal expectations or religious beliefs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Contrarily, kindliness conveys an inherent, continual warm-heartedness and gentleness towards others. It is less about isolated acts and more about a constant, warm, and gentle disposition. Kindliness might infer a deeper, intrinsic, and natural propensity towards being tender and benevolent. It suggests that one does not only perform kind acts but habitually exudes a warm and tender nature.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
While kindness can certainly be genuine and heartfelt, it might not always imply a consistently warm disposition. Conversely, kindliness always suggests a perennial, gentle warmth in addition to benevolent actions, extending kindliness a somewhat emotive and tender connotation that kindness might not always convey.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
An innate, gentle, warm-hearted, and compassionate nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Emotional Depth
Can be emotionally involved or detached.
Suggests an emotional, warm involvement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Consistency
Can be sporadic or occasional.
Implies a consistent, gentle nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Use in Sentences
Often used to describe acts.
Often used to describe one’s nature.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Kindness and Kindliness Definitions
Kindness
A generous act or gift.
The charity expressed gratitude for his acts of kindness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Kindliness
Exhibiting gentle, compassionate actions consistently.
His consistent kindliness towards animals was heartwarming.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Kindness
A pleasant and non-harmful condition.
The kindness of the weather made their outing enjoyable.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Kindliness
A warm and benevolent nature.
Her kindliness was manifested in her warm greetings.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Kindness
The act of showing sympathy or understanding.
She showed kindness by listening to his worries.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Kindliness
A gentle, tender disposition.
His kindliness was felt by all through his gentle smile.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023
Kindness
A helpful or beneficial action.
Her kindness in assisting the elderly was admirable.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Kindliness
Consistent friendly and generous disposition.
The lady was well-regarded for her perpetual kindliness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Kindness
A fair and considerate nature.
His kindness was evident when he helped the injured bird.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Kindliness
The state of feeling kindly towards someone or something, or the actions inspired thereby.
Elmo looked upon his only granddaughter with kindliness, and often relented to her demands for chocolate.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Kindness
The state of being kind.
Jamie's kindness is legendary, so much that people have taken advantage of her.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Kindness
An instance of kind or charitable behaviour.
Do me a kindness and leave.
I'm going to turn a blind eye to this misdemeanour, out of the kindness of my heart.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Kindness
The state or quality of being kind, in any of its various senses; manifestation of kind feeling or disposition beneficence.
I do fear thy nature;It is too full o' the milk of human kindnessTo catch the nearest way.
Unremembered actsOf kindness and of love.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Kindliness
The quality or state of being kindly; benignity; benevolence; gentleness; tenderness; as, kindliness of disposition, of treatment, or of words.
In kind a father, but not in kindliness.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Kindness
The quality of being warm-hearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Kindliness
Softness; mildness; propitiousness; as, kindliness of weather, or of a season.
Fruits and corn are much advanced by temper of the air andkindliness of seasons.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Kindliness
Reflecting a soft, warm demeanor.
His kindliness permeated the room, making everyone feel at ease.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
FAQs
Give an example sentence using "kindness".
"Her kindness towards strangers is truly admirable."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
What does "kindliness" mean?
"Kindliness" refers to the quality or state of being kindly, showing benevolence or tenderness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
What is the primary definition of "kindness"?
Kindness refers to the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Can "kindness" be pluralized?
Generally, "kindness" is used in its singular form, but in some contexts, the plural "kindnesses" can be used to mean multiple acts of kindness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Is "kindliness" commonly used in modern English?
It's less common than "kindness" but still understood and occasionally used.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Can you provide a synonym for "kindliness"?
Yes, "benevolence" can be a synonym, depending on the context.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
What is the origin of "kindness"?
It originates from the Old English word "cynd," which means "nature, type."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Are there any idioms using these words?
Yes, for "kindness," a common idiom is "kill with kindness," meaning to overwhelm or harm by being too kind.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
How do you use "kindliness" in a sentence?
"The kindliness in his eyes was evident to all who met him."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
Are "kindness" and "kindliness" interchangeable?
Not always. While they both refer to a quality of being kind, "kindliness" emphasizes tenderness and benevolence, whereas "kindness" is more general.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Which word is more commonly used?
"Kindness" is more commonly used in everyday speech and writing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Can both words be used as adjectives?
No, both "kindness" and "kindliness" are nouns. However, "kindly" can be used as an adjective.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Can "kindliness" be pluralized like "kindness"?
It's less common, but "kindlinesses" can be used to denote multiple instances or examples of kindliness.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Is there a difference in tone or nuance between the two?
"Kindliness" often has a softer, more tender connotation, while "kindness" is a broader term for any friendly or considerate act.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
Are there specific contexts where one word is preferred over the other?
"Kindness" is generally preferred in most contexts. "Kindliness" might be used in literary or poetic contexts to emphasize tenderness.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023
Is "kindly" derived from "kindness" or "kindliness"?
"Kindly" is related to both and can mean showing kindness or in a kind manner.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
Does "kindliness" have a direct antonym?
There's no direct antonym, but "harshness" or "cruelty" can serve as opposites in certain contexts.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
