fond
fond
Fond (adj) means having a liking or affection for someone or something. Example: “I am very fond of my neighbour's cheerful old dog.”
adj
1
Having a liking or affection for someone or something.
"I am very fond of my neighbour's cheerful old dog."
"She has always been fond of old black-and-white films."
"He grew fond of the quiet little café down the street."
2
Doting or indulgent, especially toward someone loved.
"The fond father let his daughter stay up past her bedtime again."
"With a fond look, the old man watched his grandchildren play."
"Her grandmother gave a fond smile and slipped her an extra biscuit."
verb
1
To feel a tender or foolish affection for someone (dated).
"He fonded over the puppy for hours."
How to use fond
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiking someone or something warmly, often used as "fond of."
Common mistake
Fond is almost always followed by "of" when used this way — "fond her" is wrong; "fond of her" is right.
Common pairings
fond of
fond memories
grow fond
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Word forms
- Plural
- fonds
- Third person singular
- fonds
- Past tense
- fonded
- Comparative
- fonder
- Superlative
- fondest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I am very _____ of my neighbour's cheerful old dog.
Etymology
From Middle English fonned, "made foolish" — fond originally meant simple-minded or doting before it softened to mean affectionate.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for fond
See all rhymes for fond →Frequently asked questions
What does “fond” mean?
The word “fond” means having a liking or affection for someone or something. In plain terms, liking someone or something warmly, often used as "fond of.".
How do you pronounce “fond”?
“Fond” is pronounced fond (/fɑnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “fond” in a sentence?
Here is “fond” used in a sentence: “She has always been fond of old black-and-white films.”
What is another word for “fond”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fond” include pet and touch up.
What part of speech is “fond”?
Depending on how it is used, “fond” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “fond” come from?
The word “fond” comes from Middle English. From Middle English fonned, "made foolish" — fond originally meant simple-minded or doting before it softened to mean affectionate.
Is “fond” a common word?
“Fond” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “fond” have?
“Fond” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a liking or affection for someone or something.
What is the difference between "fond of" and "in love with"?
Being "fond of" someone means having a warm liking or affection for them, which is gentler and less intense than romantic love. "In love with" describes deep romantic passion, whereas you can be fond of friends, pets, or even foods.
What preposition goes with "fond"?
"Fond" is almost always followed by "of," as in "fond of chocolate" or "fond of my grandmother," to name what someone likes. Used before a noun it needs no preposition, as in "a fond farewell" or "fond memories."
What is the difference between "fond" before a noun and "fond of"?
When "fond" comes before a noun, as in "fond memories" or "a fond hope," it means tender, affectionate, or sometimes foolishly optimistic. When it is used with "of," as in "fond of music," it means having a liking for something.
What words commonly go with "fond"?
"Fond" often appears in phrases such as "fond of," "fond memories," "fond farewell," "grow fond of," and "fond hope." It usually expresses warm affection, though "a fond hope" can hint at hope that is unrealistic.
