Agency Dictionary
Philia
nounPronunciation: /ˈfɪl.i.ə/
In Portuguese: Filia
Philosophy & EthicsWhat does “Philia” mean?
A deep, reciprocal, and virtuous affection among friends or equals based on shared values and mutual loyalty.
Etymology
A direct borrowing from Ancient Greek philia (affectionate friendship, fondness, love between equals), formed from philos (dear, beloved, friendly) plus the abstract-noun suffix -ia. The word entered philosophical and psychological English to designate a form of love distinct from eros (romantic) and agape (unconditional), specifically the deep and reciprocal affection among friends or equals grounded in shared values.
Usage note
Philia names one of the classical Greek forms of love, alongside eros, storge, and agape. In contemporary use it also appears as a suffix in compound words naming strong attachments or affinities, as in Francophilia.
Synonyms
- friendship
- amity
- affection
- companionship
Word family
- philanthropy
- bibliophile
- philharmonic
- philosophy
Usage examples
Philia is a platonic love or affection between friends, often based on shared experiences or values.
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
Words of the same theme
- Antithesisnoun
- A person, thing, or concept that represents the direct or exact opposite of another.
- Discursiveadjective
- Proceeding by reasoned argument or sequential exposition rather than by immediate visual intuition.
- Treatisenoun
- A formal, systematic, and comprehensive written work dealing methodically with the principles and evidence of a particular philosophical, scientific, or technical subject.
- Maximnoun
- A concise statement expressing a fundamental principle, general truth, or practical rule of conduct.
- rhetoricnoun
- The art of effective and persuasive speaking or writing, especially through strategic linguistic devices.
- Tangibleadjective
- Perceptible by the sense of touch or capable of being physically grasped and measured in concrete physical reality. It distinguishes concrete material products from virtual or intellectual entities.
- Holisticadjective
- Characterized by the comprehension of parts as intimately interconnected and explicable only in reference to the whole.
- Abyssnoun
- A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm, either in physical geography or metaphorical psychological depth. It evokes feelings of unfathomable emptiness or existential peril.
- aestheticsnoun
- A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, artistic taste, and style.
- Affectnoun
- An expressed or experienced emotion, feeling, or visceral response to a stimulus in psychology and philosophy.
- Ambiguitynoun
- The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness or uncertainty of meaning.
Also from these editions: terms
- Agapenoun
- A selfless, unconditional, and altruistic form of love often associated in theology with divine charity.
- Androgynenoun
- A mythical primordial being uniting male and female characteristics in a single unified body.
- Aûsunoun
- An Old Tupi noun denoting love, affection, friendship, or benevolent regard.
- Aûsubverb
- An Old Tupi transitive verb meaning to love, care for, or hold someone in deep esteem.
- Benefactornoun
- A person who supports, protects, or assists another individual through resources, rank, or mentorship.
- Chivalrynoun
- The medieval knightly code of conduct demanding honor, valor, courtesy, loyalty, and Christian devotion.
- Erosnoun
- A passionate, romantic, and often erotic love characterized by intense longing, attraction, and creative vitality.
- Ludusnoun
- A playful, flirtatious, and lighthearted form of love free from long-term obligations or solemnity.
- Potionnoun
- A liquid concoction endowed with purported medicinal, magical, toxic, or transformative powers.
- Pragmanoun
- A practical, enduring, and mature love built on long-term commitment, shared duties, and realistic expectations.
- Storgenoun
- Natural familial affection, especially the instinctive bond shared among parents, children, and siblings.
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