fondness
FOND-nis
/ˈfɒnd.nəs/
A warm affection, liking, or tenderness for someone or something.
Describes a comfortable, enduring warmth or a personal preference for a habit or food.
The story behind the word. In the 1300s, 'fond' meant foolish or silly. Someone who was 'fond' was easily deceived. Over two centuries, 'foolish affection' softened into comfortable warmth, leaving behind its negative association with stupidity.
Word relationships
- affection: Affection refers to the feeling directed at people, whereas fondness can also apply to activities, objects, or foods.
- partiality: Partiality emphasizes a bias or preference toward something, while fondness emphasizes warm emotion.
- aversion: Aversion is a strong feeling of dislike or repugnance.
- dislike: Dislike is a simple absence of positive feeling or mild hostility.
Commonly confused with
- foundness: 'Foundness' is an incorrect word formed by confusing 'fond' with 'found'.
Word family
- fond (adjective): Having affection or liking for.
- fondly (adverb): With affection or naive hope.
Collocations
- deep fondness
- fondness for
- look back with fondness
Idioms & expressions
- have a soft spot for
Example sentences
- "He recalled his childhood summer holidays in the countryside with deep fondness." Childhood reflection
- "My uncle has developed a peculiar fondness for spicy international teas." Personal tastes
Memory hook
FONDness makes you FOND of sweet memories. Warm liking that puts a smile on your face.
When not to use
Avoid using to describe intense, wild, uncontrollable romantic passion.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'fond hopes' preserves a tiny hint of the original meaning of 'foolish or naive hopes'.
Related words
Explore more words
affection, tenderness, endearment, tender, cherish, affinity
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.