kinda

UK: ˈkaɪndə | US: ˈkaɪndə

Definition

  1. adv. informal contraction of "kind of," used to soften a statement or express approximation.

Structure
kind <sort/type>a <reduced form of "of">
Etymology

"Kinda" originated in colloquial English as a contraction of "kind of," where "kind" (from Old English cynd, meaning "nature" or "origin") retained its sense of approximation or qualification. The reduction of "of" to "a" reflects informal speech patterns, common in contractions like "sorta" (sort of) or "wanna" (want to). This evolution highlights English's tendency to streamline phrases in casual usage.

Examples

  1. I’m kinda tired after the long trip.

  2. She’s kinda funny when she tells jokes.

  3. This cake is kinda sweet for my taste.

  4. He’s kinda like his older brother.

  5. It’s raining, but it’s kinda refreshing.