fond

Fond is an English adjective meaning having a strong liking, affection, or tenderness for someone or something. It is commonly used in phrases such as be fond of, as in “She is fond of classical music,” or to describe memories and feelings, for example, “fond memories.” The term typically conveys warmth and sentimental regard and is usually placed before the object of affection. The related noun form is fondness.

In everyday usage, fond often pairs with people, places, activities, or memories. It can describe a positive preference without implying strong attachment, and it is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. The expression not fond of indicates a lack of liking, and the phrase not especially fond of is a common milder construction.

In culinary contexts, fond has a distinct meaning borrowed from French. It refers to the flavorful brown or caramelized residues left in a pan after meat or vegetables are browned. This fond is deglazed with liquid to form a sauce and can serve as a base for stocks. In French cuisine, stocks based on these principles are called fonds (singular fond), with varieties such as fond brun (brown stock) and fond de veau (veal stock).

Overall, fond carries dual senses: a sentiment-based descriptor in general English usage and a technical term in cooking that denotes the foundation of flavor created during browning and deglazing.