φιλόξενο
Wordform Details
Translation: hospitablewelcoming
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
neutersingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: φιλόξενος
Translation: hospitable; welcoming; friendly to guests; accommodating (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek φιλόξενος, composed of φίλος (philos, 'friend, loving') + ξένος (xenos, 'stranger, guest, foreigner'). The root 'phil-' appears in English words like 'philosophy' (love of wisdom) and 'philanthropy' (love of humanity). The 'xeno-' root appears in English 'xenophobia' (fear of foreigners) and 'xenial' (relating to hospitality). This word literally means 'friend to strangers' or 'lover of guests,' embodying the ancient Greek concept of xenia - the sacred duty of hospitality to travelers and strangers.
Example Usage
Οι Έλληνες είναι πολύ φιλόξενος λαός.
The Greeks are a very hospitable people.
Έχει ένα φιλόξενο σπίτι όπου όλοι είναι ευπρόσδεκτοι.
She has a welcoming house where everyone is welcome.
Οι Έλληνες είναι πολύ φιλόξενοι άνθρωποι.
Greeks are very hospitable people.
Η οικογένεια ήταν φιλόξενη με τους επισκέπτες.
The family was welcoming to the visitors.
Αυτό το ξενοδοχείο έχει φιλόξενο προσωπικό.
This hotel has hospitable staff.
Mnemonics
- Think 'Phil loves Xena' - Phil (loving) welcomes Xena (the stranger/guest)
- Remember 'xenophobia' (fear of strangers) vs 'philoxenos' (love of strangers) - opposite concepts
- Phil + Xeno = Friend to foreigners
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Hospitality (φιλοξενία) is deeply embedded in Greek culture, stemming from ancient traditions where showing kindness to strangers was considered a sacred duty. Greeks take great pride in being φιλόξενοι, often going to extraordinary lengths to welcome guests and visitors. This concept is central to Greek identity and social values.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: φιλόξενος specifically refers to hospitality toward guests/strangers, while φιλικός is general friendliness toward anyone
Notes: φιλόξενος implies active welcoming and care for guests, while φιλικός is more about general pleasant demeanor
Mnemonic: φιλόξενος = Phil welcomes Xena (stranger), φιλικός = Phil is friendly (general)