A.Word.A.Day --bibliophilia

A.Word.A.Day

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Jan 27, 2020

This week’s theme
Words about books

This week’s words
bibliophilia
chrestomathy
biblioclast
feuilleton
bibliophage

Image: Mushy/Adobe

Previous week’s theme
Adjectives used postpositively

A.Word.A.Day

with Anu Garg

An idea is a textually-transmitted disease. A great idea puts one out of their comfort zone -- makes them feel dis-eased. Never underestimate the power of a single solitary idea. It may be a Magna Carta, limiting powers of a king; theses nailed to a door, pointing out that godliness doesn’t necessarily means goodness.

And what’s a book but a collection of ideas. The medium may change -- rock face, tree bark, animal hide, papyrus, magnetic tape, or a Kindle -- but what doesn’t change is the purpose. A piece of writing takes an idea from one mind to another.

Or as a cartoonist said: You can use books to install new software into your brain. This week we’re all about books. We’ll feature words about books.

bibliophilia

PRONUNCIATION:

(bi-blee-uh-FI-Lee-uh)

MEANING:

noun: The love of books.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Greek biblio- (book) + -philia (love).

USAGE:

“If you’ve ever flirted with bibliophilia, ever dabbled in recreational sniffing and fondling of books, be advised: this magnificent volume [Winter Papers 5] might push you over the edge.”
Kevin Barry and Olivia Smith; A winter wonderland; Sunday Times (London, UK); Dec 22, 2019.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

A fellow of mediocre talent will remain a mediocrity, whether he travels or not; but one of superior talent (which without impiety I cannot deny that I possess) will go to seed if he always remains in the same place. -Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, composer and musician (27 Jan 1756-1791)

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