φιλόδοξοι
Wordform Details
Translation: ambitiousaspiringeager
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
masculinepluralnominativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: φιλόδοξος
Translation: ambitious; aspiring; high-achieving; career-oriented (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek φιλόδοξος (philódoxos), composed of φίλος (phílos, 'loving, fond of') and δόξα (dóxa, 'glory, reputation'). Literally means 'lover of glory' or 'one who loves reputation/honor'. The English word 'philodox' (a dogmatic person) comes from the same root, though with a different meaning evolution. The component 'phil-' appears in many English words like 'philosophy' (love of wisdom) and 'philanthropy' (love of humanity).
Example Usage
Είναι πολύ φιλόδοξος στην καριέρα του.
He is very ambitious in his career.
Έχει φιλόδοξα σχέδια για το μέλλον.
She has ambitious plans for the future.
Είναι πολύ φιλόδοξος και θέλει να γίνει διευθυντής μέχρι τα τριάντα του.
He is very ambitious and wants to become a director by the time he's thirty.
Έχει φιλόδοξα σχέδια για το μέλλον της εταιρείας.
She has ambitious plans for the company's future.
Ο φιλόδοξος στόχος τους είναι να διπλασιάσουν τις πωλήσεις μέσα σε ένα χρόνο.
Their ambitious goal is to double sales within a year.
Mnemonics
- Think 'philo' (love) + 'doxa' (glory) = 'lover of glory/fame'
- Remember 'philosophy' (love of wisdom) but this is 'love of recognition'
- Sounds like 'fill-o-dox-os' - someone who wants to 'fill' their life with 'documents' (doxa) of achievement
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, being φιλόδοξος is generally viewed positively, associated with hard work and determination. However, excessive ambition can sometimes be viewed critically, especially if it comes at the expense of family or community values. The concept is particularly important in discussions about career advancement and educational achievement.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While φιλόδοξος means 'ambitious', φιλόξενος means 'hospitable'. Both start with 'φιλο-' (love of) but have different second components.
This word:
Είναι φιλόδοξος επιχειρηματίας με μεγάλα σχέδια.
He is an ambitious businessman with big plans.
Confused word:
Οι Έλληνες είναι γνωστοί για το πόσο φιλόξενοι είναι.
Greeks are known for how hospitable they are.
Notes: The confusion often happens because both are positive qualities that start with φιλο-.
Mnemonic: φιλόδοξος has 'δοξ' like 'doxology' (praise) - ambitious people seek praise; φιλόξενος has 'ξεν' like 'xenophobia' (fear of strangers) - hospitable people welcome strangers.
Explanation: φιλόδοξος means 'ambitious' while φιλόσοφος means 'philosopher'. Both share the 'φιλο-' (love of) prefix but refer to very different concepts.
This word:
Είναι φιλόδοξος και εργάζεται σκληρά για να πετύχει.
He is ambitious and works hard to succeed.
Notes: The English word 'philosophy' comes from φιλόσοφος, making it more recognizable to English speakers than φιλόδοξος.
Mnemonic: φιλόδοξος loves 'doxa' (glory) while φιλόσοφος loves 'sophia' (wisdom).