Fondly: meaning, definitions and examples

When you are remembering someone or something with a lot of affection and maybe a bit of nostalgia. It can also indicate a hopeful way of thinking.

• She spoke fondly of her childhood
• He gazed fondly at the photograph

When expressing a kind and warm feeling towards someone or something. It shows you care a lot about them.

• He hugged his mother affectionately
• She affectionately called her dog 'Buddy'

When showing love and attention in what you say or do. Often used to describe actions done with great care and fondness.

• She baked the cake lovingly
• He spoke lovingly to his child

When doing or saying something in a gentle and delicate way, often showing sensitivity and care. It can be both emotional and physical.

• He held the baby tenderly
• She tenderly wiped away his tears

This word is used when someone thinks about something or someone with affection and love. It often implies positive memories and feelings.

• She looked at the old photographs fondly, remembering the good times.
• He spoke fondly of his grandmother who had always been there for him.

This word is used when someone is reminiscing about the past with a mix of happiness and a sense of longing for that time. It often conveys a bittersweet feeling.

• She listened to the old songs nostalgically, thinking about her youth.
• He nostalgically recalled the days when he used to play in the nearby park.

This word is used when someone has strong emotional feelings about something, often resulting in tears or deep emotions. Sometimes it can imply that the emotional reaction might seem exaggerated or overly tender.

• He couldn’t help but feel sentimentally attached to the old letters.
• Sentimentally keeping her childhood toys, she was reminded of her carefree days.

This word is used when someone feels a longing or yearning tinged with sadness. It's as if they are wishing for something that is unlikely to come back or happen.

• She gazed wistfully at the sunset, longing for the simpler times.
• He spoke wistfully about the opportunities he had missed.