fondly

English

Etymology

From Middle English fondly, fondely, fonnedli, equivalent to fond +‎ -ly.

Adverb

fondly (comparative more fondly, superlative most fondly)

  1. In a fond manner; affectionately; tenderly.
  2. (dated) Foolishly.
    • 1673, John Milton, When I Consider How My Light Is Spent ('On His Blindness')
      "Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?" / I fondly ask...
    • 1861, The Living Age
      […] she fondly believes that ten millions of the free people of the Union will allow her and her seceding brethren to open and shut the portals of this mighty region at their pleasure.
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