Today's Word

Yesterday's Word

Archives

FAQ

A.Word.A.Day--philodox

philodox (FIL-uh-doks) noun

Someone who loves his or her own opinion; a dogmatic person.

[From Greek philodoxos, from philo- (love) + doxa (glory, opinion). Ultimately from Indo-European root dek- (to take or accept) that's also the root of words such as paradox, orthodox, doctor, disciple, discipline, doctrine, dogma, decorate, dignity, and disdain.]

"Don't take this as a comment on events in Washington -- or on newspaper editorial pages -- but I thought I should tell you that a philodox is a person who loves fame or glory or, more specifically, an argumentative or dogmatic person who loves his own opinions." Michael Gartner; Calling all Philologues; Austin American Statesman (Texas); Jan 15, 2000.

"In effect, a philodoxical thinker can become very good and highly skilled at doubting and critiquing maps other than her own." Dale Cannon; Newsletter on Teaching in Philosophy (Newark, Delaware); Spring 2001.

This week's theme: words to describe people.

X-Bonus