Italophilia
/ˌɪtələˈfɪliə/noun
Strong admiration for or love of Italy, its culture, or its people.
Did you know?The suffix “-philia” comes from Greek philia, meaning affection or friendship, and appears in words ranging from philosophy to philanthropy.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
phílos
“Beloved, dear, or loving; the root of the later “-phil-” element.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
philía
“Affection, friendship, or love.”
Roman Antiquity
Latin
Italia
“Italy; the ancient name for the Italian peninsula, whose deeper origin remains uncertain.”
19th Century
Italian/Neo-Latin
Italo-
“A combining form meaning Italian or relating to Italy.”
Modern English
English
Italophilia
“Love of or strong enthusiasm for Italy, its culture, or its people.”
Explore more surprising origins