Russianophiles

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Individuals who have a strong admiration for Russian culture, language, or people; enthusiasts of Russian history and traditions; those with a favorable attitude toward Russia as a nation
2. Persons expressing affection or support for Russian customs, society, or political aspects; devotees of Russian art, literature, or heritage; admirers of Russian influences and connections
3. People who show keen interest in and positive regard for Russian ways of life, linguistic aspects, or geopolitical ties; followers of Russian cultural or social elements; advocates of Russian identity and values

Etymology: "Russophile" is formed from "Russo-", the combining form of "Russian," plus Greek "philos," meaning "loving" or "friend," so the word means literally "Russia-lover." The "-phile" ending is the same Greek element found in "bibliophile" and "Anglophile," and "Russophile" followed the pattern of "Anglophile," which was already in use by the late 1800s. The plural "Russophiles" is simply the ordinary English plural of that noun. The word's history is therefore a 19th-century coinage built from classical elements rather than an ancient term. It is a later formation alongside its opposite, "Russophobe," which was built the same way from "-phobe," Greek for "fearing." Exact dating of the first recorded use of "Russophile" is uncertain, so the attestation date is best checked in the Oxford English Dictionary.

Synonyms: russophiles, russophilists

Antonyms: russophobes