fondness

[fond-nis]

noun

1. the state or quality of being fond.

2. tenderness or affection.

3. doting affection.

4. a liking or weakness for something.

   He has a fondness for sweets.

   Synonyms: preference, partiality, predilection

5. Archaic.,  complacent credulity; foolishness.

Other Word Forms

• self-fondness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fondness¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; fond ¹, -ness

Related Words

• affection 
• devotion 
• penchant 
• predilection 
• preference 
• soft spot 
• tenderness www.thesaurus.com