fondness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'fondness' is correct and completely usable in written English.
It is a noun that means the feeling of liking or loving someone or something very much. For example, "My fondness for my grandparents is stronger than ever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's the American fantasy of our Prince Harry and, with his rolled-up shirt sleeves, he has a fondness for the lower classes and is desperate to lead a "normal" life.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A fondness for Britishness is not a good enough reason to miss that opportunity storrier88 I was once proud to be British.

The Guardian

My mother had three children with the NHS in the 1970s, and looks back on each hospital stay with incredible fondness.

The Guardian - Opinion

And although Van Gaal's time in Catalonia is not always looked back upon with the fondness that he, certainly, thinks it deserves, the Dutchman is proud of his legacy.

The Guardian - Sport

And though, having grown up on them (before graduating to the spicy heights of the chicken tikka masala), I have to admit a certain residual fondness for the almost marzipan-like flavours of a classic British curry house korma, I think we're all big enough now to appreciate the more sophisticated flavours of the real deal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You should vote for them if: You have a fondness for slogans that sound like they're about Tolkien characters who other Tolkien characters occasionally use as a toilet.

The Guardian

Cantona was once mocked for daring to admit to a fondness for poetry and painting – not considered normal behaviour for a footballer – but the cinema is now his passion.

The Guardian - Sport

While lacking Nigel Farage's flamboyance, he comes with an easy-going self-assurance and fondness for the metaphor of a small businessman taking on a perceived political elite.

The Guardian

They were the first books I read that others had not either read or recommended to me, and they left me with a permanent fondness for fairy stories, and with something else, something that has been of practical use to me as well as perennial fascination.

The Guardian - Books

A season of so many highs but a couple of distinct lows, played out in seven different countries from early August to late May, 1986-87 will forever be remembered with both fondness and sadness.

The Guardian - Sport

It just means that I have no specific fondness or felt connection for the identity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fondness" to express a gentle or affectionate liking for something or someone. It implies a pleasant sentiment, but not necessarily a strong passion.

Common error

Avoid using "fondness" when you want to convey intense emotions like love or passion. "Fondness" suggests a gentle affection, not deep, consuming feelings. Use stronger words to convey a stronger sentiment. If you aim to convey an intense emotion consider using terms such as "devotion", "passion" or "fervor" instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "fondness" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a feeling of affection or liking. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe feelings toward people, places, or things. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fondness" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that expresses a gentle or affectionate liking. Ludwig AI confirms this, and numerous examples across various domains highlight its versatility. While synonyms like "affection" and "liking" exist, "fondness" carries a specific nuance of tenderness. Remember to use it when conveying pleasant but not overly intense feelings. Its presence in news media, formal business documents, and scientific articles suggests its appropriateness for diverse communication needs. As you can see in Ludwig's examples, authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist often employ this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affection

A general term for positive feelings, slightly broader than "fondness".

attachment

Suggests a deeper emotional connection than "fondness".

liking

A milder form of positive feeling compared to "fondness".

soft spot

Indicates a particular liking for something or someone, more specific than general "fondness".

partiality

Implies a bias or preference, adding a layer of inclination not always present in "fondness".

warm regard

A more formal and slightly distant expression of positive feeling.

love

A stronger, more intense emotion than "fondness".

admiration

Highlights respect and approval, a specific type of "fondness".

appreciation

Focuses on gratitude and valuing something, a more active form of "fondness".

delight

Expresses a high degree of pleasure and enjoyment, a more intense and specific form of "fondness".

FAQs

How do I use "fondness" in a sentence?

You can use "fondness" to express a gentle liking or affection. For example, "She had a great fondness for animals" or "He looked back on his childhood with fondness".

What are some synonyms for "fondness"?

Alternatives to "fondness" include "affection", "liking", "partiality", and "attachment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a fondness of" or "a fondness for"?

While both can be used, "a fondness for" is more common and idiomatic. "A fondness of" might be used in specific, less frequent contexts.

What's the difference between "fondness" and "affection"?

"Affection" is a broader term for positive feelings, while "fondness" suggests a more gentle, tender feeling. Affection might describe general love, while fondness often implies a specific, gentle liking for something or someone.