philology
Americannoun
-
the study of literary texts and of written records, the establishment of their authenticity and their original form, and the determination of their meaning.
-
(especially in older use) linguistics, especially historical and comparative linguistics.
-
Obsolete. the love of learning and literature.
noun
-
comparative and historical linguistics
-
the scientific analysis of written records and literary texts
-
(no longer in scholarly use) the study of literature in general
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of philology
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English philologie, Latin philologia, from Greek philología “love of learning and literature,” equivalent to philólog(os) “literary, studious, argumentative” + -ia -y 3; see philo-, -logy
Explanation
Philology means the study of language. Not learning specific languages per se, but grammar and history, and how sounds and meanings change over time. If you study philology, you don't need anyone to tell you that the word philology comes from the Greek philologia "love of learning." It's one of the words ending in -logy, which means "study." Think biology (life), archaeology (ancient things), psychology (the mind), sociology (society).
Vocabulary lists containing philology
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
All You Need is Love: Amor and Phil
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Power Suffix: -ology
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Florent Montaclair, from Besançon in eastern France, was decorated with the Gold Medal of Philology in 2016 at a ceremony held at the National Assembly in Paris, attended by ministers and Nobel laureates.
From BBC • May 6, 2026
We can blame scholar Richard Paul Jodrell for this gaffe, who, in his book The Philology of the English Language, left out hyphens in compound words.
From Salon • Oct. 4, 2021
In the Modern Philology paper, she and a co-author, Elizabeth Picherit, weave together an argument on Austen’s late-in-life health and her social milieu based on her novels, her life and the glasses.
From New York Times • Mar. 9, 2017
Philology literally means, after all, “love of words” or “love of learning.”
From Washington Post
Philology is related to the science of etymology, dealing in root words.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
