fondle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "fondle" is a correct and usable word in written English.
This verb means "to touch or caress someone or something in a loving or suggestive way." It can be used in many different contexts, such as in a romantic or an affectionate context. Example sentence: She fondled his face affectionately.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then he went out onto the balcony and saw a couple leaving the gallery stop to fondle the dog's floppy ears.

The Guardian - Books

The Palme win makes him only the second Turkish director to fondle the fronds.

The Guardian - Film

The upper-middle-class members of the Beggar's Benison club in Scotland, founded in 1732, apparently thought nothing of arranging meetings where they could drink, sing and fondle naked women.

The Economist

Around him, his bearded companions shake their heads and fondle their feet.These corpses were found without heads.

The Economist

Sure enough, Jean-Marie Le Pen, leader of the National Front, dropped in on this week's Paris agricultural fair to fondle a silky Limousin cow and a heaving bull.

The Economist

At every office, or so it seemed, there were bosses eager to fondle and dandle.

The New York Times

I'd brushed that aside, still convinced that the average man would rather fondle a burgeoning cup that had been surgically enhanced, than a modest A or even B-sized pillow.

Independent

Try saying it to the trivial-minded gasbags and laddish swindlers who govern us, who run down our institutions, fondle small boys, lie about what they know, think destiny is five thousand smackers a day and a motor yacht, and don't know when it's time to quit.

Independent

He challenges us to guess "whose balls" he had to "fondle" to get his own movie.

Independent

Then it could be proposed that it is contemporary women's lack of humour that prevents them from identifying a hasty fondle by a parliamentarian as an innocent bit of fun, or "Ditch the Witch" as just a pun.

Independent

But I do think, once the excitement dies down, that there are many things to discover on the walls and in the cases, plus a glorious mansion (with a perfect new downtown-minimal staircase) to explore, classes to take, and, indeed, tables to fondle.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fondle" to describe gentle and affectionate touching, but be mindful of the context, as it can sometimes carry a suggestive connotation. Consider alternatives like "caress" or "stroke" if a more neutral term is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "fondle" when describing clinical or professional interactions, as its affectionate or suggestive undertones can be inappropriate. Choose more neutral verbs like "handle" or "examine" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "fondle" functions primarily as a verb, denoting the action of touching or stroking someone or something affectionately or erotically. Ludwig examples show it used to describe physical interactions with both people and objects, often implying tenderness or desire. Ludwig AI also confirms that "fondle" is a correct and usable verb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "fondle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While primarily employed to describe affectionate or suggestive touching, it's crucial to consider context due to its potential for misinterpretation. Predominantly found in news and media sources, "fondle" requires careful application to avoid inappropriate connotations, particularly in formal settings. Related terms like "caress" or "stroke" can offer safer alternatives when neutrality is paramount. Ludwig provides numerous real-world examples illustrating the diverse applications of "fondle", making it a valuable resource for understanding its nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caress

Implies a gentle and loving touch, similar to "fondle" but with a slightly broader application.

stroke

Suggests a gentle, repetitive motion of the hand, overlapping with the affectionate aspect of "fondle".

pet

Refers specifically to the gentle touching of an animal, a subset of the broader meaning of "fondle".

cuddle

Involves holding someone close for warmth or affection, adding a dimension of closeness not always present in "fondle".

handle gently

Emphasizes care and delicacy in touching or manipulating an object.

palpate

Refers to examining by touch, often in a medical context, differing significantly from the affectionate connotation of "fondle".

grope

Implies a clumsy or inappropriate touch, contrasting with the gentle intent of "fondle".

massage

Suggests a therapeutic or relaxing touch, with a different purpose than the affectionate intent of "fondle".

manipulate

Indicates skillful handling or control, with a broader range of applications and no necessary connotation of affection.

feel

A general term for experiencing through touch, lacking the specific nuance of affection or gentleness in "fondle".

FAQs

How can I use "fondle" in a sentence?

You can use "fondle" to describe touching something or someone gently and affectionately, as in "She fondled the soft fur of the kitten" or "He fondled her hand as they walked".

What words can I use instead of "fondle"?

Depending on the context, you might use "caress", "stroke", "pet", or "cuddle" as alternatives to "fondle".

Is "fondle" a formal or informal word?

"Fondle" is generally considered an informal word. In formal contexts, it's better to use words like "caress" or "stroke".

When is it inappropriate to use "fondle"?

It's inappropriate to use "fondle" in formal settings or when describing professional or clinical interactions. Also, be mindful of the suggestive connotations it can carry, and avoid it when describing unwanted or inappropriate touching.