Fondly

/ˈfɒndli/

adverbBeginner📊CommonEmotion
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

In a way that shows love or affection.

/ˈfɒndli/

adverbpositiveBeginner
Emotion

In a loving or affectionate way

She remembered her grandmother fondly.

💡 Simply: When you think about someone or something with a lot of love and care, like when you remember a fun trip you took, or when you give a hug to your favorite pet. It's like your heart feels warm when you think about them!

👶 For kids: Thinking about someone or something with love and happiness.

More Examples

2

He spoke fondly of his time in the army.

3

They recalled their trip to the beach fondly.

How It's Used

Personal Relationships

"He looked at his grandchildren fondly."

Reminiscing

"She recalled her childhood fondly."

2

With pleasure or approval, or in a way that shows one feels affectionate.

/ˈfɒndli/

adverbpositivemedium
Appreciation

With pleasure or approval

The audience looked fondly at the puppy.

💡 Simply: When you look at something and really like it, or give a thumbs up, or a big smile to show your approval. It's when you're really enjoying something!

👶 For kids: Liking something or someone.

More Examples

2

He listened fondly to the song.

3

She watched the sunset fondly.

How It's Used

Appreciation

"She viewed the old painting fondly."

Approval

"He nodded fondly at his creation."

Tip:Imagine approving a creation. You view it fondly

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

remember fondly

To recall something with affection and pleasure.

"I will always remember my childhood fondly."

From "fond" (adjective) + "-ly" (suffix indicating manner). "Fond" comes from Old French "funt" meaning "foolish," but evolved to mean "affectionate" and "loving."

Appeared in the late 16th century. Initially meaning "foolishly", evolving later to its current sense of affection.

Memory tip

Think of a fond memory. You remember it fondly.

Word Origin

LanguageOld French
Original meaning

"Foolish, later shifting to affectionate."

remember fondlylook fondlyspeak fondlythink fondlyreminisce fondly

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written