Kindly

Kindly is a word used primarily as an adverb meaning in a kind or benevolent manner, or with kindness. It can also function as an adjective describing a person or action as friendly or considerate, though this adjectival use is less common in contemporary English. In many contexts, kindly appears in polite or formal requests, often at the beginning or within sentences: “Kindly send the report by Friday,” or “Would you kindly refrain from smoking?” Its use as a polite imperative is especially noted in business and administrative writing.

Etymology derives from the adjective kind with the adverbial suffix -ly. It has existed since Middle English, originally serving as an adverb meaning in a kind manner and later acquiring nuances of politeness and mild insistence.

Usage notes: In modern everyday English, the adverb kindly can sound formal or old-fashioned, and in American usage may be perceived as directive or paternalistic in commands. For ordinary requests, “please” is often preferred, while “kindly” fits formal or bureaucratic contexts. In various varieties of Indian English and Commonwealth usage, “kindly” is a routine politeness marker in official correspondence.

Related terms include kindness (noun), kind (adjective). The adverbial form is typically written as kindly; the adjective sense appears in phrases such as a kindly old man.

Examples: She spoke kindly to the child. Kindly note the changes in the schedule. He is a kindly man who volunteers at the shelter.