fond 1 
(fŏnd)
(fŏnd)adj. fond·er, fond·est
1. Having a strong liking, inclination, or affection: fond of ballet; fond of my nieces and nephews.
2. Affectionate; tender: a fond embrace.
3. Immoderately affectionate or indulgent; doting: fond grandparents who tended to spoil the child.
4. Cherished; dear: my fondest hopes.
5. Archaic Naively credulous or foolish.
[Middle English fonned, foolish, probably from past participle of fonnen, to be foolish, probably from fonne, fool.]
fondly adv.
fondness n.