Comment | Thomas,
sure I've noted the many entries of Kindly in Leo, but you may have noted that all of them are adverbial, none of them actually refers to what I am looking for - its use as an adjective!
I looked it up again in LEO and found that another contributor - Mike E. Sat Sep 3 16:04:47 2005" - has noted the same, I quote:
"I do not wish to confuse anybody, but "kindly" is also used as an adjective. In those cases I would say the difference is as follows: "Kind" can be used of an action or a person. When used of a person it can refer to a specific action by that person ("You are just being kind,", "You are very kind.") or to a character trait ("He was a very kind person."). "Kindly" is usually used only to refer to a character trait (kind-hearted, good-natured). I think it would normally only be used of older people. I think it suggests that a person's kindness is immediately apparent and part of their identity. Perhaps "gütig" or "gutherzig"? In some set phrases it can be more similar to "kind" in meaning (e.g. "Can some kindly soul help me?"). I note that LEO does not give "kindly" as an adjective."
The Merriam Webster has it, too, I quote:
"Main Entry: 1kind·ly Pronunciation: 'kIn(d)-lE Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): kind·li·er; -est Etymology: Middle English, from Old English cyndelIc, from cynd 1 a obsolete : NATURAL b archaic : LAWFUL 2 : of an agreeable or beneficial nature : PLEASANT <kindly climate> 3 : of a sympathetic or generous nature"
Now I know that kindly as an adjective exists and that it means something like pleasant, generous, helpful, considerate, of a friendly dispositon, even. What I would like to know if its use in a phrase: "kindly conversation" makes any sense or has the right touch in formal speech or writing of the kind I mentioned initially. I am not a native speaker of English otherwise I might have "sensed" whether it is appropriate or not, maybe out of date, or carrying an unexpected meaning I am not aware of. So - any natives out there?
(And thanks "odondon irl" for your comment. Just what I feel)
Palimpsest7 - Ruby
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