au fond

American  

[oh fawn] / oʊ ˈfɔ̃ /

adverb

French.

1. at bottom or to the bottom; basically; in reality; fundamentally.

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au fond British  

/ o fɔ̃ /

adverb

1. fundamentally; essentially

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Etymology

Origin of au fond

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

It's often said – even McEwan's friends have said this – that he is, au fond, a brilliant story writer, a sprinter not a marathon runner.

From The Guardian

He says au fond the Romans hate it—they liked the old life very much better—they were of much more importance; it meant something then to be a Roman prince.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course this is au fond, a bitter disappointment to a man of my temperament, especially after all the praise my work got before the Exhibition.

From Project Gutenberg

I did not then understand that all knowledge is relative, and that, au fond, his offense was the same as mine, that of thinking he had arrived at finality in the discovery of truth.

From Project Gutenberg

I believe the mischief done by her education, and its wants, not cured, if curable au fond; but much amended to all, and apparently done away completely to many.

From Project Gutenberg