WordGarden.iofondly
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈɒndli/
US
- /ˈfɑndli/
Meanings
Adverb
with affection or warm liking
with wishful or naive belief
Beyond the definition
To do something fondly means to do it with warm affection or tender feeling. People often use it when talking about memories, people, or things they care about. You might remember a childhood home fondly, speak fondly of a favorite teacher, or smile fondly at an old photograph. The word suggests kindness, warmth, and emotional closeness. It is often used with verbs like "remember," "recall," "speak," and "look back." For example: "She fondly remembered her grandmother's stories."
"Fondly" describes a warm, affectionate way of thinking, speaking, looking, or remembering. It is often used for happy memories, loved people, special places, or anything that brings a gentle feeling of care. The word does not just show that something is remembered. It shows that the memory or feeling is soft, positive, and full of affection.
You might say an old man speaks fondly of his youth, meaning he thinks about those years with warmth and pleasure. You could also say that readers remember a character fondly, which suggests that the character left a lasting and pleasant impression. A person may smile fondly at a child, look fondly at a family photo, or talk fondly about a friend who helped them long ago.
The word usually points to positive feeling, not pain or dislike. You would not normally say that someone remembers a terrible event fondly, though they might remember a brave or meaningful part of it that way. Common phrases include "remember fondly," "speak fondly of," "look back fondly on," and "smile fondly."
Think of the way a parent looks at a child, or the way someone opens an old letter and smiles. That quiet feeling of warmth and affection is what "fondly" captures. It is a word for carrying someone or something in your heart with love, care, and appreciation.
Examples
- 1
Family affection
She smiled fondly at her son as he tied his shoes.
- 2
Personal memory
I still remember my first apartment fondly, even though it was tiny.
- 3
Talking about family
He speaks fondly of his grandfather and the advice he gave him.
- Patternspeak fondly of + person/thing
talk about with warm, positive feelings
- 4
Local nostalgia
The old cinema is fondly remembered by people who grew up in the neighborhood.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Past mishap
Years later, we could laugh fondly about our first disastrous camping trip.
- Patternlaugh fondly about + event
remember it with warmth, even if it went badly
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- remember fondly
- think fondly of
- speak fondly of
- look back fondly on
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- fondlyadverb