What does xenophile mean?
A xenophile is a person who likes foreigners, foreign peoples, or foreign cultures. The word is especially associated with an enthusiastic or sympathetic attitude toward people and customs from other countries, although it can also refer to someone who takes a particular pleasure in foreign art, literature, travel, or traditions. The related adjective is xenophilic, while the abstract noun xenophilia names the quality itself. In public discussion, xenophile is often placed against xenophobe: the former is associated with openness, curiosity, and hospitality, while the latter is associated with prejudice or fear. The term can therefore carry a positive connotation, but it may also suggest an idealized or conspicuous enthusiasm for foreignness. It is useful when discussing cultural attitudes because it names a position defined chiefly by its attitude toward people and cultures perceived as different or external.
nounA person who is fond of foreigners and foreign peoples or cultures, especially someone who shows enthusiasm for different cultures.
- A person who is fond of foreigners, foreign peoples, or foreign cultures.
"As a lifelong xenophile, she had spent years traveling and learning about customs far beyond her own."
"The museum's director described herself as a xenophile with a lifelong fascination with other people's traditions."
"Historians debated whether his apparent xenophilia reflected genuine admiration for foreign cultures or merely a taste for the exotic."
The standard plural is xenophiles, used for people who are fond of foreigners or foreign cultures.
"Many travelers and artists are enthusiastic xenophiles."
The Greek root xenos means both “stranger” and “guest,” so a xenophile is someone who loves those once regarded as outsiders.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of xenophile
Xenophile combines the Greek xenos, meaning “stranger,” “foreigner,” or “guest,” with -phile, from philos, meaning “loving.” The resulting word denotes a person who loves foreigners or foreign things. Its principal contrast, xenophobia, is built from the same xenos root but expresses the opposite attitude toward strangers.
Related word forms
How xenophile is actually used
The term is neutral in its basic meaning, though it can suggest a notably strong enthusiasm for foreign cultures. It is less common in everyday speech than the contrasting term xenophobe.
Easily confused with xenophile
A xenophile likes or welcomes foreigners and foreign cultures, whereas a xenophobe dislikes or fears them.