What does kindhearted mean?
Kindhearted is an adjective describing someone who is naturally inclined to be generous, considerate, and concerned about other people. It suggests a disposition marked by sympathy and kindness, although it does not necessarily mean that the person is passive or unable to be firm. The word is often used to praise a person's character, actions, or considerate treatment of strangers, friends, colleagues, animals, or people in difficulty. In everyday English, it carries a warm, strongly positive connotation and is more emphatic than the simpler word “kind.” For example, describing someone as kindhearted implies that compassion is a noticeable and habitual part of their character. The term is understood in both British and American English and can be written as one word, “kindhearted,” or as the hyphenated “kind-hearted,” with the two forms being equally familiar.
adjectiveKindhearted means having or showing kindness, generosity, and concern for others. It describes a person's character or behaviour in a warm and compassionate way.
- Having or showing kindness, generosity, and concern for others.
"She was a kindhearted neighbour who always checked on the elderly residents in her building."
"The kindhearted driver waited for the stranded passengers to find a lift."
"Her kindhearted support helped the newcomer feel welcome."
Kindheartedness is about how people treat others, not about being weak or passive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of kindhearted
The word combines “kind” and “heart,” with “kind” ultimately deriving from Old English gecynd, meaning “nature,” “race,” or “kind,” and “heart” coming from Old English heorte. The compound was formed in the 19th century in the context of a moral vocabulary that contrasted kindly dispositions with harshness or cruelty. Its modern meaning follows the older sense of a person's natural or habitual character, especially toward others.
Related word forms
How kindhearted is actually used
The spelling is commonly written as either “kindhearted” or “kind-hearted.” It is a positive, approving term, especially when describing a person's generosity, compassion, or considerate behaviour.