kindly

kindly
kindly
as used to introduce a formal request (You are kindly requested to refrain from smoking / Kindly refrain from smoking), now has a dated sound to it, and it is never quite clear who it is who is being kind (a point Fowler noticed in 1926). A modern alternative, often seen for example on notices in restaurants and taxis, uses the style Thank you for not smoking, which is thought to be more effective in its direct assumption of compliance.

Modern English usage. 2014.

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  • Kindly — Kind ly (k[imac]nd l[y^]), a. [Compar. {Kindlier} (k[imac]nd l[i^]*[ e]r); superl. {Kindliest}.] [AS. cyndelic. See {Kind}, n. ] [1913 Webster] 1. According to the kind or nature; natural. [R.] [1913 Webster] The kindly fruits of the earth. Book… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • kindly — ► ADVERB 1) in a kind manner. 2) please (used in a polite request). ► ADJECTIVE (kindlier, kindliest) ▪ kind; warm hearted. ● not take kindly to Cf. ↑not take kindly to …   English terms dictionary

  • kindly — [kīnd′lē] adj. kindlier, kindliest [ME cyndelich < OE (ge)cyndelic, natural < cynd(e): see KIND] 1. kind; gracious; benign 2. agreeable; pleasant [a kindly climate] 3. Archaic natural; native; innate adv. kin …   English World dictionary

  • Kindly — Kind ly, adv. 1. Naturally; fitly. [Obs.] Chaucer. [1913 Webster] Examine how kindly the Hebrew manners of speech mix and incorporate with the English language Addison. [1913 Webster] 2. In a kind manner; congenially; with good will; with a… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • kindly — [adj] compassionate, helpful attentive, beneficial, benevolent, benign, benignant, cool, cordial, favorable, friendly, generous, genial, gentle, good, good hearted, good natured, gracious, hearty, humane, kind, kindhearted, mellow, merciful, mild …   New thesaurus

  • kindly — index benevolent, humane, paternal, peaceable, philanthropic, propitious Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • kindly — (adj.) early 14c., from O.E. gecyndelic natural, innate; suitable, lawful; see KIND (Cf. kind) (adj.) + LY (Cf. ly) (1). Related: Kindliness. The adverb meaning with kind feelings is from O.E. gecyndelice, with LY (Cf. ly) (2) …   Etymology dictionary

  • kindly — benign, benignant, *kind Analogous words: *gracious, cordial, genial, affable, sociable: *amiable, good natured, complaisant, obliging: friendly, neighborly (see AMICABLE): considerate, *thoughtful, attentive Antonyms: unkindly: acrid (of temper …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • kindly — 1 adverb 1 in a kind way; generously: Mr Nunn has kindly agreed to let us use his barn for the dance. 2 spoken formal a word meaning please , which is often used when you are annoyed: Will you kindly put that book back? 3 not take kindly to to be …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • kindly — [[t]ka͟ɪndli[/t]] 1) ADJ GRADED: usu ADJ n A kindly person is kind, caring, and sympathetic. He was a stern critic but an extremely kindly man. Derived words: kindliness N UNCOUNT His kindliness and warmth made him particularly effective with… …   English dictionary

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