Unkynde

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Showing a harsh, cruel or thoughtless attitude toward others ; contrary to the natural order or the normal character of a thing
2. Lacking compassion and causing hurt to another person ; departing from what is natural or proper for a creature or thing
3. Behaving in a cold, spiteful or inconsiderate way toward people ; going against nature or the usual course of things

Etymology: Before it meant cruel or ungenerous, "unkind" meant something close to "unnatural." Its root is "kind," which descends from Old English "gecynd," meaning nature, birth, or origin. The same Germanic root gave us "kin," so to be "kind" once meant to act according to one's kin or nature, and "unkind" meant to go against that nature. Over the Middle English period, the sense of "kind" shifted from "natural" toward "benevolent," and "unkind" followed it. The older meaning lingered for a long time, so writers could use "unkind" to describe behaviour that was contrary to nature, not just hurtful. The modern sense of cruelty grew out of that older idea of acting against one's natural bond with others.

Synonyms: cruel, unfriendly, harsh

Antonyms: kind, gentle