in-kind
UK[ˌɪn ˈkaɪnd]US[ˌɪn ˈkaɪnd]
adj
Given in the form of goods or services rather than money.
adv
In the form of goods or services rather than money.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
kind
in
kind
nature, type, or class
Etymology
The compound adjective and adverb 'in-kind' is a relatively modern English formation, directly combining the native preposition 'in' with the native noun 'kind'. The logic is transparent: a payment or exchange is made in the kind or nature of the item itself, rather than in a different medium like currency. The word 'kind' itself traces back to the Proto-Germanic \kundiz, related to the concept of 'family, race, or nature', which is the sense preserved in this phrase. Thus, 'in-kind' literally means 'in the same nature or form', a concept that evolved from describing natural classification to specifying a non-monetary form of transaction.
Analysis
Structure: in + kind
- in: A preposition of Germanic origin (Old English in), used here to indicate the state, form, or manner.
- kind: A noun of Germanic origin (Old English cynd, gecynd), meaning 'nature, type, or class'.
Examples
The company offered in-kind donations of software and equipment to the school.
She repaid his help in kind by assisting with his project.
Some benefits are received in kind, such as free housing or a company car.