fondu: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, culinary, artistic
Quick answer
What does “fondu” mean?
A French-inspired dish of melted cheese, typically eaten by dipping bread or other items into the shared pot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A French-inspired dish of melted cheese, typically eaten by dipping bread or other items into the shared pot.
In ballet, a movement in which the dancer bends the supporting leg, lowering the body.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In culinary contexts, both use 'fondue' as the standard spelling for the dish. 'Fondu' is a rare alternative spelling or used specifically in ballet.
Connotations
Evokes sophistication, social dining, or 1970s nostalgia in culinary context. In ballet, it is purely technical.
Frequency
'Fondue' is vastly more common than 'fondu' for the food item. 'Fondu' as a culinary term is archaic or affected.
Grammar
How to Use “fondu” in a Sentence
We had fondu for dinner.She executed a perfect fondu.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fondu” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chef will fondu the cheese gently.
adjective
British English
- The fondu pot was placed in the centre.
American English
- They bought a fondu set for the party.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Potentially in hospitality or food manufacturing.
Academic
Used in dance, theatre, or culinary history studies.
Everyday
In social or dining contexts, though 'fondue' is preferred.
Technical
Specific term in ballet terminology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fondu”
- Using 'fondu' for the dish in modern writing (prefer 'fondue').
- Pronouncing the ballet term like the food (/'fɒn.duː/ vs /fɑːn'duː/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern culinary English, 'fondue' is the standard and expected spelling. 'Fondu' is an older or variant spelling and is best avoided for the food item to prevent confusion.
There is no semantic connection. Both come from French, where 'fondu' is the past participle of 'fondre' (to melt). The food is 'melted' cheese/chocolate. In ballet, the movement gives a 'melting' or lowering impression.
For the food, it's safer to use 'fondue' as it is universally recognized. Using 'fondu' might seem like an error or an affectation. Use 'fondu' only if specifically discussing ballet technique.
In English ballet terminology, it is often pronounced in a more French manner: /fɔ̃ˈdjuː/ or /fɑːnˈduː/, with stress on the second syllable and a nasalised first vowel.
A French-inspired dish of melted cheese, typically eaten by dipping bread or other items into the shared pot.
Fondu is usually formal, culinary, artistic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As stable as a chocolate fondu fork.”
- “A fondue (fondu) of ideas.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FOND you at the FONDU party, dipping bread into melted cheese.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS SHARED DIPPING; GRACE IS MELTING INTO MOVEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'fondu' a technical term unrelated to food?