Kindness vs. Kindliness — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
Kindness refers to the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate, while Kindliness suggests warmth and a gentle nature. Both denote benevolence, but Kindliness emphasizes a disposition.
Difference Between Kindness and Kindliness
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Kindness is a broad term that encompasses the qualities of being friendly, generous, and considerate to others. It can be displayed through actions, words, or gestures. Kindliness, on the other hand, is more specific and suggests warmth, gentleness, and a naturally kind disposition.
A person can show Kindness by performing acts of charity, helping a neighbor, or simply by listening to someone. It is an active demonstration of benevolence. Kindliness is more of an innate trait or characteristic, often seen in a person's demeanor or the way they naturally approach others.
It's possible for someone to perform acts of Kindness without having the inherent warmth that Kindliness suggests. For instance, a person might donate to charity (an act of Kindness) without necessarily displaying a warm disposition (Kindliness).
In literature, a character described with Kindness might be shown doing good deeds for others, while a character with Kindliness would be portrayed with a consistent gentle and warm nature, exuding a congenial aura.
Both Kindness and Kindliness are positive traits, with the former focusing more on actions and the latter on disposition or temperament.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
A broad quality
A specific disposition
Manifestation
Demonstrated through actions
Evident in demeanor
Emphasis
Acts of benevolence
Warmth and gentleness
Usage in literature
Depicting good deeds
Portraying congenial nature
Related to
Actions and gestures
Inherent nature and temperament
Compare with Definitions
Kindness
Generosity
He showed Kindness by donating to the homeless shelter.
Kindliness
Gentleness of nature
Children were drawn to his Kindliness and patience.
Kindness
Consideration towards others
Listening patiently to her friend's problems was an act of Kindness.
Kindliness
Tenderness in demeanor
His Kindliness was evident in his soft-spoken manner.
Kindness
The quality of being friendly
Her Kindness was evident when she greeted the stranger with a smile.
Kindliness
Congenial nature
The room lit up with her Kindliness and friendly aura.
Kindness
A good deed
Offering her seat was a Kindness that didn't go unnoticed.
Kindliness
A warm disposition
Her Kindliness made everyone feel at home.
Kindness
Kindness is a type of behavior marked by acts of generosity, consideration, or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward. Kindness was one of the main topics in the Bible.
Kindliness
The quality or state of being kindly.
Kindness
The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate
He thanked them for their kindness and support
Kindliness
A kindly deed.
Kindness
The quality or state of being kind.
Kindliness
The state of feeling kindly towards someone or something, or the actions inspired thereby.
Elmo looked upon his only granddaughter with kindliness, and often relented to her demands for chocolate.
Kindness
An instance of kind behavior
Your kindnesses won't be forgotten.
Kindliness
(archaic) Favourableness; mildness.
Kindness
The state of being kind.
Jamie's kindness is legendary, so much that people have taken advantage of her.
Kindliness
(obsolete) Naturalness.
Kindness
An instance of kind or charitable behaviour.
Do me a kindness and leave.
I'm going to turn a blind eye to this misdemeanour, out of the kindness of my heart.
Kindliness
Natural inclination; natural course.
Kindness
The state or quality of being kind, in any of its various senses; manifestation of kind feeling or disposition beneficence.
I do fear thy nature;It is too full o' the milk of human kindnessTo catch the nearest way.
Unremembered actsOf kindness and of love.
Kindliness
The quality or state of being kindly; benignity; benevolence; gentleness; tenderness; as, kindliness of disposition, of treatment, or of words.
In kind a father, but not in kindliness.
Kindness
A kind act; an act of good will; as, to do a great kindness.
Kindliness
Softness; mildness; propitiousness; as, kindliness of weather, or of a season.
Fruits and corn are much advanced by temper of the air andkindliness of seasons.
Kindness
The quality of being warm-hearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
Kindliness
Friendliness evidence by a kindly and helpful disposition
Kindness
Tendency to be kind and forgiving
Kindliness
Benevolent temperament
She was known for her Kindliness, always exuding warmth.
Kindness
A kind act
Kindness
Benevolence
The Kindness of the community was overwhelming during tough times.
Common Curiosities
Which term is broader in meaning, Kindness or Kindliness?
Kindness has a broader meaning.
Does Kindliness suggest a natural disposition?
Yes, Kindliness emphasizes a naturally kind disposition.
Is Kindness an action or a trait?
Kindness can be both an action and a trait.
Are both Kindness and Kindliness positive?
Yes, both are positive and denote benevolence.
Can Kindness be learned?
Yes, people can learn to show more Kindness through actions and behavior.
Can a place have an aura of Kindliness?
While places aren't sentient, they can evoke a feeling of warmth and comfort, reminiscent of Kindliness.
Which word focuses more on temperament, Kindness or Kindliness?
Kindliness focuses more on temperament.
Can someone show Kindness without Kindliness?
Yes, one can perform kind acts without having a naturally warm disposition.
How is Kindness often demonstrated?
Kindness is often demonstrated through kind acts, words, or gestures.
Is Kindliness always evident in demeanor?
Typically, yes. Kindliness is often seen in one's demeanor or approach.
Can a single act be described as Kindliness?
Kindliness usually describes a disposition, not a single act.
Is Kindliness common in descriptions of characters in literature?
Yes, characters with a warm, gentle nature are often described as having Kindliness.
Is Kindliness more innate?
Yes, Kindliness often suggests an inherent warm nature.
Does Kindliness imply gentleness?
Yes, Kindliness often implies gentleness and warmth.
Can Kindness be momentary?
Yes, Kindness can be shown in momentary actions or gestures.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
