~ 1
■ noun
1》 a class or type of people or things having similar characteristics.
↘character or nature: the trials were different in ~ from any that preceded them.
2》 each of the elements (bread and wine) of the Eucharist.
Phrases
in ~
1》 in the same way.
2》 (of payment) in goods or services as opposed to money.
~ of informal rather.
nothing of the ~ not at all like the thing in question.
↘expressing emphatic denial: he did nothing of the ~.
of its ~ within the limitations of its class.
of a ~ hardly or only partly deserving the name: there is tribute, of a ~, in such popularity.
one of a ~ unique.
two (or three, four , etc.) of a ~
1》 the same or very similar.
2》 (of cards) having the same face value but of a different suit.
Origin
OE cynd(e ), gecynd(e ), of Gmc origin; related to kin .
Usage
The plural of ~ often causes difficulty. With this or that , speaking of one ~, use a singular construction: that ~ of fabric doesn't need ironing . With these or those , speaking of more than one ~, use a plural construction: these ~s of changes were observed in several species . The use of these ~ (i.e. with ~ in the singular), as in these ~ of questions are not relevant , is ungrammatical and should be avoided.
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~ 2
■ adjective
1》 (often ~ to ) friendly, considerate, and generous.
↘(of a product) not harmful.
2》 archaic loving; affectionate.
Origin
OE gecynde 'natural, native', in ME 'well born or well bred', whence 'courteous, gentle'.