Dictionary.com
definitions

-phile

a combining form meaning “lover of,” “enthusiast for” that specified by the initial element: Anglophile; bibliophile; demophile.

RELATED CONTENT

sapiophileRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

Nearby words

  1. -phane,
  2. -phany,
  3. -phasia,
  4. -phemia,
  5. -phil,
  6. -philia,
  7. -philiac,
  8. -philic,
  9. -philism,
  10. -philous
Also -phil.

Origin of -phile

< Latin -philus, -phila < Greek -philos dear, beloved (occurring in proper names). Compare French -phile
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for -phile

-phile

-phil

n combining form

indicating a person or thing having a fondness or preference for something specifiedbibliophile; Francophile

Word Origin for -phile

from Greek philos loving
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for -phile

-phile

also -phil, word-forming element meaning "one that loves, likes, or is attracted to," via French -phile and Medieval Latin -philus in this sense, from Greek -philos, common suffix in personal names (e.g. Theophilos), from philos "loving, dear," from philein "to love," of unknown origin.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for -phile

-phile

suff.

One that loves or has a strong affinity or preference for:thermophile.
Loving; having a strong affinity or preference for:basophil.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.