philology
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /fɪˈlɒlədʒi/
KK: /fɪˈlɑlədʒi/
noun
Definition
The study of language, literature, and their historical development, often focusing on how they relate to culture and history.
Example
She decided to pursue a degree in philology to better understand the evolution of languages.
Conversation
Have you ever thought about studying philology?
Not really, what is it about?
It's the study of literature and language, really fascinating!
That sounds interesting! I might look into it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
linguistics
literature
philology
Antonyms
illiteracy
ignorance
incomprehension
Root Explanation
Philology is formed from "philo-" (from Greek "philos", meaning loving) and "logia" (from Greek "logos", meaning word or study). The term refers to the love of words and the study of language in historical texts.
Memory Tip
Think of 'loving' ('philo-') words or the 'study' ('logia') of language — that's what philology means.
Visually Confused Words
syphilology
psilology
phylology
ophiology
typhlology
sophiology
physiology
phlebology