Definition

Adverb 1. With something of the same kind or nature: Repaying or responding with an equivalent action, often a negative one, rather than with money or words. - Example: After he insulted her, she responded in kind with a harsh critique of his work.

Usage

The phrase "in kind" is used to describe a response or payment that is made in the same form as what was originally given or received. It emphasizes reciprocity and equivalence in the type of action or item, not necessarily its monetary value.

• It is commonly used in contexts of retaliation or repayment.
• It can also be used in formal or economic contexts to refer to non-monetary transactions.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The enemy attacked our base, and our forces retaliated in kind. (Our forces responded with a similar military attack.)
  • If you offer help, I will repay you in kind. (I will repay you with a similar helpful action.)
  • Some charities accept donations in kind, such as food or clothing, instead of cash.

Advanced Usage

• In-kind contribution/payment: A formal term for a contribution made in goods or services rather than money.
  • The company made a large in-kind donation of computers to the school.

Variants and Related Words

• Kind (noun): A category or type of thing.
• In-kind (adjective): Used before a noun to describe something given in goods or services.
  • They received in-kind support from local businesses.

Synonyms

• Similarly
• In the same manner
• Tit for tat (idiomatic, often for negative exchanges)

Related Phrases

• Pay back in kind: To retaliate or reciprocate with a similar action.
  • He was known for paying back every insult in kind.

Idioms

• Answer/Respond in kind: To reply or react with an equivalent action.
  • When the debate turned personal, she felt compelled to answer in kind.

Adverb

1. with something of the same kind
   • she pays him back in kind