philo-

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a combining form appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “loving” (philology); on this model, used in the formation of compound words (philoprogenitive).

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Also especially before a vowel, phil-.

Origin of philo-

<Greek, combining form of phílos loving, dear

Words nearby philo-

Phillips head, phillipsite, Phillips screw, phillumenist, Philly, philo-, Philoctetes, philodendron, philography, philogyny, Philo Judaeus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use philo- in a sentence

Also making Time's list are Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet and Céline's creative director, Phoebe Philo.
Beyonce Covers Time's '100 Most Influential People' Issue; Michelle Obama to Cut Ribbon at Anna Wintour Costume Center|The Fashion Beast Team|April 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But most importantly, Philo finally brought diversity to her runway.
Céline's New Look|Erin Cunningham|September 30, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In a shocking turn, minimalist Phoebe Philo presented a bold new aesthetic for Céline next spring.
Céline's New Look|Erin Cunningham|September 30, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Designer Phoebe Philo presented a cool collection of wooly outerwear and unexpected proportions.
Céline Gets Cozy for Fall|Liza Foreman|March 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Some fall all over themselves to express their philo-Semitism.
Gaza After The Dust Settled|Kathleen Peratis|February 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST
One of the servants and flatterers of Agathocles, whose name was Philo, came out to the stadium still flustered with wine.
The Histories of Polybius, Vol. II (of 2)|Polybius
We see here a number of ideas foreign to Aristotle, which are found first in Philo the Jew and appear later in medival philosophy.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy|Isaac Husik
Al Mukammas speaks of negative attributes as being more applicable to God than positive, as Philo had already said long before.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy|Isaac Husik
The legendary tradition which even Philo accepts gives it a formal nativity, a royal patron and inspired authors.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 15, Slice 4|Various
Philo had described the Word as an effulgence, and spoken also of Him as distinct from God.
The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews|Thomas Charles Edwards

British Dictionary definitions for philo-

philo-

before a vowel phil-

combining form

indicating a love ofphilology; philanthropic

Word Origin for philo-

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