less fondness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less fondness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a reduced level of affection or liking for something or someone compared to another. Example: "She has less fondness for chocolate than for vanilla ice cream."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Given the statue's mundane provenance — technically sent by DHL, not the Lord — one might think that she would have less fondness for it than for her other, far more valuable, religious icons.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

What he showed could have stood with a little less paddock fondness for breeches and riding boots, and a bit more of the nasty.

The New York Times - Style

There is some memory at local Tory HQ – inevitable because it's called Margaret Thatcher House – but less tangible fondness in the surrounding area.

The Guardian

Before heading into his own sumptuous "Blues from Louisiana," he spoke about his home state with something less than fondness, recalling an incident of racism that he suffered at age 3. "It was the woist place on oith," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

A small, narrow street in Paris where there is no sign of anything having changed since the twenties serves the purpose of the Dakota, as the platform from which Gil Pender, the writer, makes his nightly journey into the past, although in this case he is propelled less by a fondness for this particular street as by a love of Paris itself.

The New Yorker

Stein, on her side, wrote about Faÿ less inanely, but with fondness, in both "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas" and "Everybody's Autobiography".

The New Yorker

The trick, in curatorial terms, she stresses, is to avoid making value judgments and saying whether something is good or bad art, entirely unlike the Victorian principle which she, none the less, admits to a fondness for.

The Guardian - Money

A meeting that Russert recounts at greater length, and with even more fondness if less reverence, was with President Bush and Vice-President Cheney in the White House in the spring of 2001, when he is invited, along with his son Luke, to a luncheon for members of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The New Yorker

Less well known is his fondness for penis gags.

The Guardian

He's no less indebted to literature: his fondness for Gothic fiction like Mary Shelley's "Last Man" and Richard Jefferies's "After London" comes across in the after-the-fall ambience of some of his films.

The New York Times

Other couples say, "like brother and sister"; others still have ruefully reflected that, with hindsight, they might have been better off remaining friends in the first place, without trying to make a marriage out of what never amounted to much more – or much less – than a deep, mutual fondness.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less fondness" when you want to express a subtle or understated lack of affection, rather than a strong dislike. It's suitable for situations where the feeling is mild or diminishing.

Common error

While "less fondness" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language that clearly conveys the specific emotion or attitude you wish to express.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less fondness" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It quantifies the degree of affection, indicating a reduction in the amount of liking or affection felt towards something or someone. This is supported by Ludwig, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less fondness" is grammatically correct and commonly employed to express a diminished degree of affection or liking. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and usability in written English. While the phrase is versatile, it's essential to consider the context and potential alternatives for greater precision. With a source quality score of 94 and a neutral register, "less fondness" is a reliable expression for conveying a moderate level of disinterest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced affection

Directly indicates a decrease in affection, focusing on the emotional aspect.

diminished liking

Emphasizes a decrease in preference or enjoyment.

decreased affinity

Suggests a weaker connection or natural liking.

waning affection

Implies a gradual decline in affection over time.

reduced enthusiasm

Highlights a decrease in excitement or eagerness.

cooler feelings

Suggests a more detached or indifferent emotional state.

weakened attachment

Focuses on the bond or connection being less strong.

less enthusiasm

Indicates a lower level of excitement or passion.

slight aversion

Implies a mild dislike or reluctance.

mild disinterest

Highlights a lack of interest or engagement.

FAQs

How can I use "less fondness" in a sentence?

You can use "less fondness" to describe a reduced level of affection or liking for something. For example: "She has "less fondness" for modern art than for classical paintings."

What are some alternatives to saying "less fondness"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reduced affection", "diminished liking", or "decreased affinity".

Is it grammatically correct to use "less fondness"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used with uncountable nouns like "fondness".

What's the difference between "less fondness" and "no fondness"?

"Less fondness" implies a reduced degree of affection, while "no fondness" indicates a complete absence of affection. "Less fondness" suggests a mild or diminishing feeling, whereas "no fondness" signifies a total lack of affection.