Philo
/ˈfɪl.oʊ/noun
A combining form from Greek meaning loving or having an affinity for.
Did you know?In Ancient Greek, philo- was a productive prefix meaning “loving” or “fond of,” and it survives in dozens of learned words built around attraction, friendship, and affinity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰel-
“to love, care for, or be fond of”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φιλέω (philéō)
“I love, like, or have affection for”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φίλος (phílos)
“dear, beloved, friendly”
Classical/Koine Greek
Greek
philo-
“loving, fond of, having an affinity for”
Modern English
English
philo-
“a combining form used in learned words to mean loving or attracted to”
Explore more surprising origins