kind of

To a small degree; a little.

• I am kind of hungry.
• The film was kind of boring.
• Do you feel kind of cold in here?

How to use it: kind of + adjective (I am kind of nervous about the interview.)

Similar words: a bit, somewhat, sort of

Common phrases: kind of tired, kind of hungry, kind of nervous

Used when a description is close to the truth but not completely accurate.

• It is kind of a shop.
• She is kind of my boss, although she cannot hire or fire me.
• We kind of share a house, but we have separate kitchens.

How to use it: kind of + noun phrase (He is kind of a brother to me.); kind of + verb (We kind of live together, but I keep my own flat.)

Similar words: sort of, more or less, roughly

Common phrases: kind of a friend, kind of a job, kind of like

Used to make a statement sound less strong, direct, or upsetting.

• I kind of need some help.
• Sorry, I kind of forgot to call you.
• I kind of think we should leave now.

How to use it: kind of + verb (I kind of disagree with that decision.)

Similar words: sort of

Common phrases: kind of disagree, kind of need, kind of forgot