fondly

In loving manner

Fondly means with affection or tender feeling: She looked fondly at her sleeping child, He spoke fondly of his college years.

The word can also mean naively or with misplaced optimism, as in fondly imagining that something will work out when it probably won't—though this sense is becoming rare.

affectionate

lovingly

With deep affection

dearly · devotedly · dotingly · caringly · endearingly · sweetly · intimately · cherishing · affectionately · attentively

nostalgic

reminiscently

In a remembering way

longingly · mistily · dreamily · reflectively · pensively · bittersweet · ruefully · poignantly · rosily · romantically

hopeful

wishfully

With unrealistic hope

expectantly · eagerly · optimistically · dreamily · desirous · covetously

naive

foolishly

In an unwise manner

trustingly · innocently · naively · credulously · hopefully · idealistically · unrealistically · uncritically · simplistically · overconfidently

Categories
Opposites
emotional warmth

fondlycoldly

Without emotional warmth

frostily · frigidly · icily · harshly · cruelly

emotional attachment

fondlydistantly

In a far-off manner

indifferently · detachedly · dispassionately · impersonally · apathetically

Phrases
Family

fond, fondness, fondest, fonder, overfond

Familiarity
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Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G