Phile
/faɪl/noun
A combining form or suffix meaning "lover of" or "attracted to," used in words like "bibliophile."
Did you know?English gets this from Greek -philos, a word-family tied to affection and friendship, and it survives in terms ranging from philosophy to hydrophile to xenophile.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷʰel-
“to love, wish, or be fond of”
Ancient Greek
Greek
philos (φίλος)
“dear, beloved, friendly”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-philos / -philia
“loving, fond of; love or attraction for something”
Late Latin
Latin
-philus
“loving or fond of”
Modern English
English
-phile
“a person who loves or is attracted to something”
Explore more surprising origins