Kindly vs. Please: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Kindly" is a formal, courteous way to request action, implying gentle insistence, while "Please" is a more versatile, widely used term to politely ask for something or express desire.
Key Differences
"Kindly" is often used in formal or professional contexts to request action in a polite yet firm manner. It carries a tone of expectation. In contrast, "Please" is more flexible, used in both formal and informal situations, primarily to make requests sound polite.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
"Kindly" can sometimes imply a level of authority or expectation from the speaker, suggesting that the action is not just a request but somewhat obligatory. "Please," however, is more of a genuine plea, often reflecting humility or respect without implying authority.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
In written communication, "kindly" is a common choice in business emails and official letters, where formality and professionalism are key. "Please" is universally applicable, from casual emails to formal documents, making it a more versatile choice.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Usage of "kindly" can sometimes come across as old-fashioned or overly formal in casual conversation, whereas "please" is universally recognized and perceived as a basic element of polite speech in any setting.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
In terms of tone, "kindly" can sometimes be perceived as condescending or patronizing if not used carefully, especially in sensitive contexts. "Please," being a standard polite term, is generally well-received and less likely to be misinterpreted.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Formality Level
More formal, often used in professional contexts
Flexible, used in both formal and informal contexts
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Tone Implication
Can imply authority or expectation
Generally reflects a polite request
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Nov 11, 2023
Common Usage
Business emails, official communications
Universal in requests, both spoken and written
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Perception in Casual Use
Can seem old-fashioned or overly formal
Always appropriate and well-received
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Risk of Misinterpretation
Can be seen as condescending in sensitive situations
Less likely to be misinterpreted, widely accepted
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
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Kindly and Please Definitions
Please
To cause enjoyment or satisfaction.
The movie didn't please the audience.
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Nov 11, 2023
Kindly
Showing benevolence or goodwill.
They kindly volunteered at the charity event.
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Nov 11, 2023
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Please
To give enjoyment, pleasure, or satisfaction to; make glad or contented.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Kindly
Of a sympathetic, helpful, or benevolent nature
A kindly interest.
A gentle, kindly soul.
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Oct 19, 2023
Please
To be the will or desire of
May it please the court to admit this firearm as evidence.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Kindly
Having a kind personality; kind, warmhearted, sympathetic.
A kindly old man sits on the park bench every afternoon feeding pigeons.
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Oct 19, 2023
Please
To give satisfaction or pleasure; be agreeable
Waiters who try hard to please.
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Oct 19, 2023
Please
To have the will or desire; wish
Do as you please. Sit down, if you please.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Please
If it is your desire or pleasure; if you please. Used in polite requests
Please stand back. Pay attention, please.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Please
Yes. Used in polite affirmative replies to offers
May I help you? Please.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Kindly
In a kind manner, out of kindness.
He kindly offered to take us to the station in his car.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Please
(ambitransitive) To make happy or satisfy; to give pleasure to.
Her presentation pleased the executives.
I'm pleased to see you've been behaving yourself.
Our new range of organic foods is sure to please.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Please
To desire; to will; to be pleased by.
Just do as you please.
He doesn't think, he just says whatever he pleases.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Kindly
Used to make a polite request: please.
Kindly refrain from walking on the grass.
Kindly move your car out of the front yard.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Please
Used to make a polite request.
Please, pass the bread.
Would you please sign this form?
Could you tell me the time, please?
May I take your order, please?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Kindly
(US) With kind acceptance; 1=used with take.
I don't take kindly to threats.
Aunt Daisy didn't take it kindly when we forgot her anniversary.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Please
An expression of annoyance or impatience.
Oh, please, do we have to hear that again?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Please
To give pleasure to; to excite agreeable sensations or emotions in; to make glad; to gratify; to content; to satisfy.
I pray to God that it may plesen you.
What next I bring shall please thee, be assured.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Kindly
According to the kind or nature; natural.
The kindly fruits of the earth.
An herd of bulls whom kindly rage doth sting.
Whatsoever as the Son of God he may do, it is kindly forHim as the Son of Man to save the sons of men.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Please
To have or take pleasure in; hence, to choose; to wish; to desire; to will.
Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he.
A man doing as he wills, and doing as he pleases, are the same things in common speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Kindly
Humane; congenial; sympathetic; hence, disposed to do good to; benevolent; gracious; kind; helpful; as, kindly affections, words, acts, etc.
The shade by which my life was crossed, . . . Has made me kindly with my kind.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Please
To be the will or pleasure of; to seem good to; - used impersonally.
To-morrow, may it please you.
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Oct 19, 2023
Kindly
Favorable; mild; gentle; auspicious; beneficent.
In soft silence shed the kindly shower.
Should e'er a kindlier time ensue.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Please
To afford or impart pleasure; to excite agreeable emotions.
What pleasing scemed, for her now pleases more.
For we that live to please, must please to live.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Kindly
Naturally; fitly.
Examine how kindly the Hebrew manners of speech mix and incorporate with the English language
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Please
To have pleasure; to be willing, as a matter of affording pleasure or showing favor; to vouchsafe; to consent.
Heavenly stranger, please to tasteThese bounties.
That he would please 8give me my liberty.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Kindly
In a kind manner; congenially; with good will; with a disposition to make others happy, or to oblige.
Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Please
Give pleasure to or be pleasing to;
These colors please the senses
A pleasing sensation
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Oct 19, 2023
Kindly
Showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity;
Was charitable in his opinions of others
Kindly criticism
A kindly act
Sympathetic words
A large-hearted mentor
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Oct 19, 2023
Please
Be the will of or have the will (to);
He could do many things if he pleased
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Oct 19, 2023
Kindly
Generously responsive;
Good-hearted but inept efforts to help
Take a kindly interest
A kindly gentleman
An openhearted gift to charity
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Kindly
In a kind manner or out of kindness;
He spoke kindly to the boy
She kindly overlooked the mistake
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Oct 19, 2023
Please
Expressing politeness in a request or question.
Please, can you help me with this?
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Kindly
Used to make a polite request.
Kindly refrain from making loud noises.
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Nov 11, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "kindly" more formal than "please"?
Yes, "kindly" is generally more formal and used in professional contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Does "kindly" imply a stronger request than "please"?
Often, "kindly" carries a tone of gentle insistence, implying a stronger request.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can "please" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "please" is versatile and appropriate in both formal and informal writing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Are there situations where "kindly" is preferred over "please"?
Yes, in formal communications and when a hint of authority is needed.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Does "please" add politeness to commands?
Yes, it softens commands and makes them sound more like requests.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Is "kindly" more common in British English?
It is somewhat more common in British English than in American English.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can "please" be used to express annoyance?
Yes, when used sarcastically, it can express annoyance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Is it rude to use "kindly" in a request?
Not inherently, but it can be perceived as condescending if misused.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can "please" be used to express desire?
Yes, "please" can express a wish or desire, e.g., "Do as you please."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can "please" indicate satisfaction?
In different contexts, yes, like "That meal really pleased me."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Is "please" appropriate in all types of requests?
Generally, yes, it's suitable for most requests to sound polite.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can "please" be omitted in casual requests?
It can be, but including it is often seen as more polite.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Is "kindly" commonly used in spoken English?
It's less common in casual conversation and more in formal or professional settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can "kindly" sound too authoritative in emails?
It can, depending on the context and the relationship between the parties.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Is "please" universally understood?
Yes, it's widely recognized and understood in English-speaking cultures.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Is "kindly" used in modern business writing?
Yes, though less frequently, it's still used for a formal tone.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Is "please" a part of basic etiquette in English?
Yes, it's considered a fundamental part of polite speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Does "kindly" enhance the politeness of a request?
Yes, when used appropriately, it can enhance the politeness of a request.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Does "kindly" fit in casual conversations?
It can seem out of place or overly formal in casual settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can "kindly" be used to show benevolence?
Yes, it can also convey benevolence or goodwill.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
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Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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