* Adjective: This is the most common usage, describing a feeling of affection or liking. For example: "She is fond of her cat."
* Verb (archaic): This is a rarely used form, meaning "to cherish" or "to be foolishly attached to." For example: "He fondled the old book."
* Noun (archaic): This is also a rare usage, meaning "a foolish attachment or affection."
So, to determine the part of speech, you need to look at how the word is used in the sentence.