overkind
Definition
Adjective: Excessively or overly kind; showing more kindness than is necessary, appropriate, or expected.
Usage Examples
- (She was so excessively kind that it created an awkward situation.)
- (The grandmother showed more kindness than was needed, leading to spoiled behavior.)
Advanced Usage
- "overkind to a fault": being so excessively kind that it becomes a weakness or problem.
- He was overkind to a fault, always putting others' needs before his own. (His extreme kindness was taken advantage of by others.)
Variants and Related Words
- Overkindness (noun): the quality or state of being excessively kind.
- Her overkindness was mistaken for insincerity. (Her excessive kindness appeared fake to others.)
- Overkindly (adverb): in an excessively kind manner.
- He spoke overkindly to the stranger, which made her suspicious. (He spoke with more kindness than the situation warranted.)
Synonyms
- Overgenerous: giving more than necessary.
- Effusive: expressing excessive emotion or praise.
- Smothering: overwhelming with attention or kindness.
Related Idioms
- Kill with kindness: to harm someone by being excessively kind or indulgent.
- They killed him with kindness, giving him so many gifts he felt obligated. (Their extreme kindness had a negative effect.)
- Too much of a good thing: an excess of something positive becomes negative.
- Her overkind nature was too much of a good thing for her friends. (Her excessive kindness eventually annoyed people.)