φιλοξενώ
Lemma: φιλοξενώ
Translation: to host; to accommodate; to entertain guests (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek φιλόξενος (philoxenos), combining φίλος (philos) 'friend, loving' and ξένος (xenos) 'stranger, guest'. This reflects the ancient Greek virtue of hospitality (xenia) - the sacred duty to welcome and protect travelers. The English word 'xenophobia' (fear of strangers) shares the ξένος root, making this word its cultural opposite.
Mnemonics
- 'Phil-' (love) + 'xeno' (stranger) = loving strangers enough to host them
- Think of 'filling your home with guests' (phil-o-xeno)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Hospitality (φιλοξενία) is a cornerstone of Greek culture, considered both a duty and an honor. The concept dates back to ancient times when Zeus was also known as Zeus Xenios, protector of travelers. Even today, Greeks take great pride in hosting guests generously.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While φιλοξενώ means to host/accommodate, φιλεύω means specifically to treat someone to food or drink
Confused word:
Μας φίλεψε γλυκά.
He treated us to sweets.
Notes: φιλοξενώ is broader and more formal than φιλεύω
Mnemonic: φιλοξενώ involves providing shelter (ξενώνας = inn), while φιλεύω is about feeding