-phil-

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Template:Table Suffixes Suffixes with the common part -phil- (-phile, -philia, -philic) are used to specify some kind of attraction or affinity to something, in particular the love or obsession with something. They are antonymic to suffixes -phob-.

Phil- may also be used as a prefix with a similar meaning.

Philia (φιλία) as a Greek word for love refers to brotherly love, including friendship and affection. This contrasts to the Greek terms Eros, or sexual/romantic love, and agapē, or detached, spiritual love. However, it should be noted that English usage differs in some cases from the etymological use, and several of these words refer in English not to brotherly love but to sexual attraction.

Philia has been defined as an intentional response to promote well-being when working in cooperation with others (Thomas Jay Oord).

The suffix "-phile" (or, in a few cases, -philiac) applies to someone or something with one of these attractions.

The suffix "-philic" describes the property of being attracted to something.

There are five major areas of usage of this suffix: biology, sexology, chemistry/physics, hobbies, and attitude to specific nations, with occasional coinage in other areas.

Contents

Biology

Chemistry/physics

  • chromophilous: Staining easily
  • electrophile: A substance having an affinity for electrons or negative charge
  • lipophilic: A substance that is attracted to lipids, as in cell membranes.
  • nucleophile: A substance having an affinity for positive charge; antonym of electrophile.

Hobbies

National

Other

Prefix "phil-"

de:-philie id:Philia