kind of
/kaɪnd əv/
ADVERB
1. To some extent or degree
To a certain, usually limited, extent; somewhat or slightly. Used informally to express approximation or soften a statement.
1.1. Expressing a moderate or slight degree
Used to indicate that something is true to a limited or moderate extent rather than completely or absolutely.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- completely
- entirely
- absolutely
- totally
- fully
- thoroughly
- utterly
Examples
- I'm kind of tired after working all day.
- The movie was kind of interesting, but the ending was disappointing.
- She seemed kind of nervous before the interview.
Related Words
- partly
- partially
- mildly
- approximately
- almost
- nearly
- more or less
1.2. Expressing uncertainty or approximation
Used informally to make a statement less definite, indicate hesitation, or suggest that something is approximately or vaguely true.
Synonyms
- sort of
- more or less
- in a way
- in some sense
- to some degree
- somewhat
- vaguely
- approximately
Antonyms
- definitely
- precisely
- exactly
- certainly
- unequivocally
Examples
- I kind of understand what you're trying to explain.
- It was kind of a strange experience.
- He kind of agreed with the proposal, although he had some reservations.
Related Words
- apparently
- seemingly
- arguably
- roughly
- loosely
NOUN PHRASE
2. A type or category of something
A particular type, variety, or category of person, thing, or activity.
2.1. Identifying a type or category
Used in the construction 'kind of' to refer to a particular class, variety, or category of something.
Synonyms
- type of
- sort of
- variety of
- category of
- class of
- form of
- style of
- genre of
Examples
- What kind of music do you listen to?
- This is the kind of book that inspires people to think differently.
- She is the kind of person who always keeps her promises.
Related Words
2.2. An example or approximate form
Used to describe something that resembles a particular thing or represents an approximate version of it rather than an exact example.
Synonyms
- sort of
- type of
- form of
- version of
- semblance of
- approximation of
Examples
- The discovery was a kind of miracle.
- Their friendship developed into a kind of partnership.
- The arrangement was a kind of compromise between the two proposals.
Related Words
- imitation
- representation
- resemblance
- likeness
- equivalent