fond
fond Lexical Profile
fond Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having a strong liking, inclination, or affection for someone or something (usually used predicatively with 'of').
"Over the years, she had grown very fond of the quiet coastal town."
Feeling or showing warmth, tenderness, and loving affection.
"They exchanged a fond farewell at the train station before parting ways."
Foolishly optimistic, naive, or credulous (typically modifying wishes, hopes, or beliefs).
"He clung to the fond belief that the complex dispute would resolve itself overnight."
• noun
The browned bits of food and caramelized drippings left in the bottom of a pan after roasting or sauteing meat or vegetables, used as a flavorful base for sauces and gravies.
"The chef poured a splash of white wine into the hot skillet to deglaze the rich fond."
The background pattern or groundwork upon which lace or embroidery is worked.
"The antique collar featured delicate floral motifs worked over a fine mesh fond."
Word Nuance & Usage
When meaning 'having a liking or affection for' (as in 'fond of music'), 'fond' is used exclusively as a predicate adjective followed by 'of'; when placed before a noun (as in 'fond memories' or 'a fond hope'), it means tender, affectionate, or naively optimistic.
• Rhymes for fond
Word Origin & Etymology
The adjective originates from Middle English 'fonned' (foolish or infatuated), the past participle of 'fonnen' (to be foolish), which gradually softened over centuries from 'foolishly doting' to 'affectionate'. The culinary noun is a separate borrowing from French 'fond' (bottom or base), from Latin 'fundus'.