philo-, phil-, -phile, -philia, -philic, -philous, -phily, -philiac, -philist, -philism
(Greek: love, loving, friendly to, fondness for, attraction to; strong tendency toward, affinity for)
These are just a few of the meanings set up for the etymological meanings of philo- which comes to us from Greek.
In biology, there are many words that use philo-, phil- to mean "thriving in such and such a place or situation; or exhibiting a tendency for a specified condition" for its existence.
Other meanings include: "strongly attracted to; such as, an organism that loves or is strongly attracted to something which is specified".
In psychology and psychiatry, -phile, -philia, etc. use this element as a word termination indicating an abnormal craving or attraction to or an affinity for an object as shown by the word stems to which they are affixed.
A person who loves or appreciates the good things of the world: As philogeants, Mrs. Hathaway and her husband really liked the pleasant, enjoyable, and agreeable trips they took to wonderful places around the world, and avoided troublesome and distasteful things as far as they were able to.
A person or those who have a fondness or strong desire to collect autographs: "Philographers are usually serious autograph collectors."
1. A fondness for collecting autographs: Mrs. Rawson was quite interested in philography and whenever she went to a concert with her husband, she always tried to get a signature from the famous soloist who performed that evening.
2. A love of writing: Susan always preferred using a pencil or pen to put down her thoughts, and she tried her best to form the letters and words to look beautiful. She even bought a book on philography to improve her penmanship even more!
2. A love of writing: Susan always preferred using a pencil or pen to put down her thoughts, and she tried her best to form the letters and words to look beautiful. She even bought a book on philography to improve her penmanship even more!
One who has a special fondness for women as a group: Jack, as a philogynist, took part in the march that took place on the International Women's Day in his city.
philogynous (adjective), more philogynous, most philogynous
A special fondness or love of women: Greg had great philogynous views and respect for those who had at least two jobs, like taking care of the home and children and the job as a teacher.
The appreciation or warmth for women: Mr. Smart was a supporter of philogyny and convinced that if women had more to say in the world politics, there would be less fighting, fewer wars, less hunger, and more understanding and respect among nations.
philokleptic, philocleptic (adjective); more philokleptic, most philokleptic; more philocleptic, most philocleptic
Relating an attraction to thrives or robbers, or the opportunities to obtain items without paying for them: Susan read in the newspaper of a man's philokleptic support in helping others to rob the bank.
A petty or inferior philologist: A philologaster can also be described as an incompetent philologist, or one who dabbles in philology, or even one who blunders in philology.
The practice of a person dabbling in philology: Among Mrs. Lawson's acquaintances, there were many who were involved in philologastry and were just amateurs in their interests in literature and languages used in literature.
A person who studies written records, especially literary texts, in order to determine their authenticity, meaning, etc.: Originally, a philologist was one who loved literature and learning, and was dedicated to classical scholarship.
The love of learning and literature: Judy was very interested in philology and decided to devote her time in the academic study of liberal arts and languages.
A scholar, specifically a devotee of mathematics and science: Mr. Green was a philomath who was devoted to learning and had a fondness for discovering new facts regarding logic of quantity, shape, and arrangement, and therefore acquiring new knowledge.
philomathic, philomathical (adjective); more philomathic, most philomathic; more philomathical, most philomathical
Concerning a strong desire to learn: In his literature class at school, Adrian had an inherent and philomathic enjoyment of studying and increasing his knowledge in the history of poetry, novels, short stories, etc.
The love of learning or the fondness of of literature: Jane was the best student in class as a result of her philomathy, and she decided to become an author when she grew up!
A poetic term for a nightingale: John and Mary wandered along the path in the evening and enjoyed the philomel singing in the hedge close by.
You may take a self-scoring quiz over some of the words in this section by just clicking this Philo Quiz #1 link.Related "love, fondness" units: agape-; amat-; vener-; venus.
