What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
love
Example
I love spending time with my family. [love: verb]
Example
Their love for each other was evident in the way they looked at each other. [love: noun]
fondness
Example
I have a fondness for chocolate ice cream. [fondness: noun]
Example
She looked at him with fondness as he played with their child. [fondness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Love is a more commonly used word than fondness in everyday language, and it has a wider range of applications. Fondness is less common and specific in its usage, but it can be a useful alternative to love in certain contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between love and fondness?
Both love and fondness can be used in formal and informal contexts, but love is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, while fondness is more casual and informal in tone.