What is kindly? Pronunciation and usage in English

kindly means . Learn how to pronounce and use kindly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of kindly

kindlyadverb

/ˈkʌɪndli/
Definition & pronunciation of kindly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "kindly" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • Kin: Sounds like "fin" - like the fish. Emphasis is on the "fin" sound.
  • dly: This is the trickier part. It's a diphthong (a glide between two vowel sounds). It sounds a bit like "dilly".

2. Putting it Together - The Standard Pronunciation:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈkaɪndli

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈkaɪ: (Emphasis on this syllable) This is pronounced like “kite” – the word.
  • nd: This is a simple “n” sound, short and quick.
  • li: This is the “dilly” sound, as described above.

3. Tips & Considerations:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("ˈkaɪ").
  • The "dly" sound: Don’t try to pronounce it like "dee-ly." Think "dilly" or a slightly softened "d-i-lly" sound. It’s a continuous glide.
  • Listen to examples: This is crucial. Here are some resources where you can hear it pronounced:
    • Google Translate: Type "kindly" in and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: (https://forvo.com/word/kindly/) – This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce kindly" – many videos demonstrate.

4. Common Mispronunciations & How to Correct Them:

  • “kind-lee”: This is a common mistake. Remember the "dly" sound.
  • Overemphasizing the ‘d’: Don’t force the “d” sound at the beginning of "dly." It’s a smooth glide.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Pronunciation can vary slightly based on regional accents.)

Usage and examples with the word kindly in English

Let's break down how to use "kindly" in English. It's a somewhat formal word that adds a touch of politeness and respect to your speech or writing. Here's a breakdown of its usage and how to use it correctly:

1. Core Meaning & Origin:

  • Originally: "Kindly" comes from the Old English word "ganful," meaning "grateful" or "thankful." Over time, it evolved to mean "with kindness" or "in a kind manner."
  • Modern Usage: It's now primarily used to soften requests or instructions, making them sound more polite and considerate. It's less common in everyday conversation than words like "please" or "please."

2. How to Use It – Key Phrases & Situations:

  • Responding to Requests (Most Common Use): This is where "kindly" shines. It's frequently used as a polite response to someone asking you to do something.

    • Instead of: "Yes, I'll do it."
    • Use: "Kindly do." (Emphasis on the politeness)
    • Instead of: "I'll send it to you."
    • Use: "Kindly send it to you."
    • Instead of: "Could you pass the salt?"
    • Use: "Kindly pass the salt."

  • Giving Instructions (Formal/Professional Contexts): When giving instructions, especially in a business or formal setting, "kindly" can add a layer of courtesy.

    • Instead of: "Close the window."
    • Use: "Kindly close the window."
    • Instead of: "Please review the document."
    • Use: "Kindly review the document."

  • Expressing Gratitude (Less Common, but Possible): You can use it to express thanks, but it's often considered a bit stiff in this context.

    • Instead of: "Thank you." (more common)
    • Use: "Kindly thank you." (Sounds very formal and, frankly, a little unusual. "Thank you kindly" is a more acceptable, though still relatively formal, alternative.)

3. Important Points & Considerations:

  • Formality: "Kindly" is very formal. It's generally best avoided in casual conversation. It sounds overly polite or even slightly stiff in most everyday situations.
  • Tone: It carries a specific tone – one of deference and respect.
  • Alternatives: Often, simpler and more natural phrases like "please," "would you mind," or "could you" are better choices.
  • Regional Variation: It's more prevalent in British English than American English. You're more likely to encounter it in formal British writing and speech.

4. Examples Demonstrating the Difference:

Situation Informal Formal with "Kindly"
Asking for help "Can you help me?" "Kindly help me."
Requesting a document "Send it to me." "Kindly send it to me."
Giving instructions "Open the door." "Kindly open the door."
Expressing thanks "Thank you." "Kindly thank you." (Unusual)

In summary: Use "kindly" sparingly and only when you want to convey a high degree of politeness and respect, particularly in formal or professional contexts. Otherwise, stick to "please" and "would you mind."

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain how "kindly" differs from other polite phrases?
  • Provide a scenario where "kindly" would be most appropriate?

Synonyms for the word kindly

Idioms of the word kindly

kindly adjust
(Indian English)used to acknowledge and apologize for something that causes problems or difficulties and ask people to accept and adapt to the situation
  • The store will be closed this afternoon due to staffing shortages. Kindly adjust.
look kindly on/upon something/somebody
(formal)to approve of something/somebody
  • He hoped they would look kindly on his request.
not take kindly to something/somebody
to not like something/somebody
  • She doesn't take kindly to sudden change.

Practice with vocabulary kindly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Could you ______ provide the updated report by the end of the day?
  2. The professor spoke ______ to the students, offering additional support to those struggling.
  3. The client accepted our apologies quite ______, understanding that unforeseen issues can arise.
  4. For any technical issues, please contact our support team ______ at the number provided.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. To ensure all attendees are registered, please ______ sign in at the front desk upon arrival. a) kindly b) promptly c) respectfully d) clearly

  2. The manager always addresses his employees ______, fostering a positive and productive work environment. a) abruptly b) kindly c) courteously d) strictly

  3. Before submitting your final draft, ______ check for any grammatical errors or formatting inconsistencies. a) kindly b) meticulously c) carefully d) casually

  4. The speaker ______ acknowledged the audience's questions, ensuring everyone felt heard and valued. a) graciously b) politely c) generously d) briefly

  5. The new policy was communicated ______ to all department heads during the weekly briefing to avoid any confusion. a) clearly b) concisely c) effectively d) vaguely

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Please make sure all confidential documents are securely filed before you leave. (Rewrite using "kindly")
  2. The supervisor was very kind when explaining the complex project requirements to the new intern. (Rewrite using an adverbial form of "kind")
  3. We ask you to return the borrowed equipment as soon as possible, as it is needed for another project. (Rewrite without using "kindly" or its forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. kindly
  2. kindly
  3. graciously
  4. promptly

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) kindly, b) promptly
  2. b) kindly, c) courteously
  3. a) kindly, b) meticulously, c) carefully
  4. a) graciously, b) politely
  5. a) clearly, b) concisely, c) effectively

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Would you kindly ensure all confidential documents are securely filed before you leave? (or: We kindly request that all confidential documents be securely filed before you leave.)
  2. The supervisor kindly explained the complex project requirements to the new intern.
  3. We would appreciate it if you could return the borrowed equipment as soon as possible, as it is needed for another project. (or: Please ensure the borrowed equipment is returned promptly, as it is needed for another project.)

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