What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
penchant
Example
She has a penchant for spicy food. [penchant: noun]
Example
He has always had a penchant for adventure. [penchant: noun]
fondness
Example
I have a fondness for my childhood home. [fondness: noun]
Example
She looks back on her time in college with great fondness. [fondness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fondness is more commonly used than penchant in everyday language. Fondness is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while penchant is less common and refers to a specific liking or preference.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between penchant and fondness?
Penchant is more formal than fondness and is often used in professional or academic contexts. Fondness is more informal and is often used in personal or emotional contexts.