Italophile
/ˌɪtələˈfaɪl/noun
A person who has a strong interest in or admiration for Italy, its people, or its culture.
Did you know?The suffix “-phile” comes from Ancient Greek phílos, meaning “beloved” or “dear,” and appears in words ranging from “philosophy” to “bibliophile.”
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Italía
“The name for the Italian peninsula or southern Italy; its deeper pre-Greek origin is uncertain.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
Italia
“The Roman name for the Italian peninsula.”
Middle English
English
Italie
“Italy, adapted through Old French and medieval Latin forms.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
phílos
“Beloved, dear, or loving; the source of the combining form “-phile.””
19th Century
English
Italophile
“A person who loves or greatly admires Italy and Italian culture.”
Modern English
English
Italophile
“An enthusiast or admirer of Italy.”
Explore more surprising origins