au fond

[ oh fawn ]

adverb

, French.

1. at bottom or to the bottom; basically; in reality; fundamentally.

au fond

/ o fɔ̃ /

adverb

1. fundamentally; essentially

Word History and Origins

Origin of au fond¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Word History and Origins

Origin of au fond¹

literally: at the bottom

Example Sentences

Yet these too, with all their sympathy and suavity and sweet reasonableness, are policemen au fond.

From Project Gutenberg

Title story, waste verbiage at the start, ridiculous to put all this camouflage over something au fond merely an idea.

From Project Gutenberg

He expressed it as his intention to attack most vigorously (au fond), and asked for my best support, which I promised to give.

From Project Gutenberg

Joffre was full of enthusiasm, and very hopeful of success if we all fulfilled our respective rles and attacked au fond.

From Project Gutenberg

Quant au fond de la question, however, I am still in doubt and wait for the light of further reflexion to settle my opinion.

From Project Gutenberg