What does kynde mean?
“Kynde” is the historical Middle English spelling of “kind.” As a noun, it referred to a class, category, or variety: “a kynde of bird” meant a type or species of bird. As an adjective, it expressed that something was natural, innate, or characteristic, as in a person “of gentle kynde.” The word is not normally used in present-day standard English, but it is especially associated with the language of Chaucer and other medieval writers. Its modern significance lies in showing how English forms developed while preserving recognizable roots in related words such as kin, kindred, and kinship. Although “kynde” may initially look unusual, it is simply an older spelling rather than a separate modern word. Readers encountering it in historical literature should understand it as “kind” and interpret its precise meaning from context.
A class, category, variety, or type distinguished by shared qualities.
"The garden contained every kynde of flowering plant."
Historical usage; the standard modern noun is “kind.”
Natural, innate, or belonging characteristically to a person or thing.
"His kynde manner reassured everyone in the room."
Historical usage; the standard modern adjective is “kind,” though “kind” is now chiefly used in senses such as generous or benevolent.
This plural belongs to the historical noun and is now uncommon; modern usage normally has “kinds.”
"Those kyndes of cloth were traded throughout the city."
Once a standard spelling, “kynde” survives in the most famous opening line of English literature: “Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kynde come from?
“Kynde” developed in Middle English from the form “kind,” which came from Old English “cynn,” meaning birth, origin, nature, or kind. In Middle English, the vowel and spelling varied, and “kynde” became a common written form. The same Old English root also produced “kin” and “kindred,” while the modern standard spelling “kind” became established over time.
Related word forms
How kynde is actually used
This spelling is chiefly historical and is encountered in Middle English and older texts. Modern English normally uses “kind” for both the noun and the adjective; the spelling can also indicate an archaic or poetic register.
Easily confused with kynde
“Kynde” is a historical spelling of “kind,” whereas “kind” is the standard modern spelling.
“Kynde” can mean a category or inherent quality, while “kin” usually means relatives or a family relationship.