Philia
/ˈfɪliə/noun
A Greek noun meaning affectionate friendship, fondness, or love.
Did you know?In ancient Greek thought, *philia* was one of the highest forms of love, distinct from desire, and it became a foundational idea in philosophy, ethics, and even the names of modern “-philia” words.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰel-
“to love, care for, or be fond of”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φιλία (philia)
“friendship, affection, fondness, love between companions”
Classical Greek
Greek
φίλος (phílos)
“dear, beloved, friendly”
Late Latin
Latin
-philia
“fondness, attraction, love of something”
Modern English
English
philia
“affectionate love or friendship”
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