What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
graciously
Example
The host graciously welcomed the guests into her home. [graciously: adverb]
Example
She graciously accepted the award on behalf of her team. [graciously: adverb]
kindly
Example
Could you kindly pass me the salt, please? [kindly: adverb]
Example
He always speaks kindly to his elderly neighbor. [kindly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Kindly is more commonly used than graciously in everyday language, making it more accessible for ESL learners. However, graciously can be useful in formal or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between graciously and kindly?
Graciously is generally considered more formal than kindly. It is often used in professional or formal settings, while kindly is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
