Philellene

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person who admires or has a strong affection for Greek culture or its inhabitants
2. An individual characterized by a deep appreciation for the Greek language, literature, or history
3. Someone who expresses a passionate interest in and devotion to Hellenic traditions and customs

Etymology: "Philhellene" is formed from two Greek elements: "philos", meaning "loving" or "friend", and "Hellēn", the Greeks' own name for themselves. Its earliest English use is in the early 1800s, when Europe's educated classes were swept up in enthusiasm for the Greek War of Independence against Ottoman rule (1821-1832). The word was used in English and other European languages to describe supporters of that cause, many of whom were motivated as much by admiration for ancient Greece as by politics. The spelling "philellene" is a variant, and it follows the Greek pattern more closely, with "-ellene" reflecting the Greek form of the name. Both spellings are found in English, though "philhellene" is more common in modern dictionaries.