Philogynous

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Expressing a notable affection or preference for women, this term signifies an admiration for female attributes, roles, and contributions to society
2. This word indicates a positive inclination towards women, highlighting a fondness for their qualities, roles, and achievements in various spheres
3. Showing a marked fondness or love towards women and their characteristics

Etymology: Ancient Greek supplied both halves of this word: "philos," meaning "loving" or "fond of," and "gynē," meaning "woman." English added the adjective ending "-ous," as in "famous" or "jealous," to turn the pair into a description of someone who is fond of women. The root "gynē" also appears in "gynaecology" and "polygyny," where it keeps the same sense of woman or female. "Philogynous" is best understood as the mirror image of "misogynous," which is built on "misos," Greek for "hatred." Both are formed the same way from Greek roots, and both are rare, mostly found in academic or formal writing. The pairing shows how English often builds opposites from a shared pattern. Dating the first recorded use is uncertain, so it is best to think of the word as a learned formation rather than a term with a well-documented early history.