/ ˈkaɪndli; NAmE / adverb , adjective
■ adverb
1.
in a kind way :
She spoke kindly to them.
He has kindly agreed to help.
2.
( old-fashioned , formal ) used to ask or tell sb to do sth, especially when you are annoyed :
Kindly leave me alone!
Visitors are kindly requested to sign the book.
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IDIOMS
- look kindly on / upon sth/sb
- not take kindly to sth/sb
■ adjective
[ only before noun ] ( old-fashioned or literary ) kind and caring
► kind·li·ness noun [ U ]
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English : adverb from gecyndelīce naturally, characteristically (see the adjective kind , -ly ); adjective from gecyndelīc natural (see the noun kind , -ly ).