unkindly
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ʌnˈkaɪndli/
KK: /ʌnˈkaɪndli/
adjective
Definition
Not showing kindness or being friendly; behaving in a harsh or cruel way.
Example
She spoke unkindly to her friend, which hurt his feelings.
Conversation
Did you hear how he spoke to her the other day?
Yeah, it was really unkindly of him.
I can't believe he would act that way towards anyone.
Totally, everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cruel
harsh
mean
Antonyms
kind
gentle
compassionate
adverb
Definition
In a way that is not nice or friendly; showing a lack of kindness.
Example
She spoke unkindly to her friend, which hurt his feelings.
Conversation
Did you hear how he spoke to her yesterday?
Yeah, it was really unkindly done.
I can't believe he would be so rude like that.
Root Explanation
Unkindly → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "kind" (from Old English "cynd", meaning nature or character) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "unkindly" means in a manner that is not kind or lacking in kindness.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('un-') combined with 'nature' or 'character' ('kind') to remember that 'unkindly' describes a manner that lacks kindness.
Visually Confused Words
unidly
kindly
unwindy