Bibliolatrous is a word that describes excessive admiration or worship of books. Spelled as /ˌbɪblɪəʊˈlætrəs/, its pronunciation is broken down into individual sounds known as phonemes. The initial /b/ sound is followed by the short vowel sound /ɪ/, while the final syllable ends with a schwa sound /əs/. The '-latrous' suffix stems from the Greek word 'latreia', which means worship. When combined with 'biblio-', meaning books, it gives us the term bibliolatrous, which denotes a form of extreme reverence or devotion towards books.
Bibliolatrous is an adjective derived from the combination of two words: "biblio" and "latrous." The word "biblio" refers to books or literature, while "latrous" comes from the Greek word "latreia" meaning worship or adoration. Therefore, "bibliolatrous" can be defined as a term describing extreme veneration or excessive devotion towards books.
When used to describe a person, bibliolatrous refers to an individual who exhibits an almost religious fervor or worship-like reverence towards books. Such a person may display an intense passion for reading, collecting, or studying books, placing an almost divine importance on the written word. They view books as sacred objects deserving unwavering respect and admiration.
This term can also be used to describe a culture or society that places an overwhelming emphasis on the significance of books. In such contexts, bibliolatrous implies that the love for books extends beyond a mere appreciation of their content, but rather encompasses an almost obsessive admiration for their physicality, historical value, or intellectual worth.
Bibliolatrous behavior might manifest through behaviors such as hoarding books, meticulously cataloging or preserving them, or displaying them in special places of honor. It can also involve a strict adherence to literary traditions or a refusal to accept alternative viewpoints or interpretations, demonstrating an almost dogmatic approach towards literature.
Overall, bibliolatrous characterizes an intense and sometimes extreme love, reverence, or obsession with books, elevating them to an almost divine status within an individual or a society.
The word "bibliolatrous" is derived from two terms: "biblio" and "latrous".
1. "Biblio" is derived from the Greek word "biblion", which means "book" or "scroll". This root is commonly used in words related to books and literature. For example, "bibliography" refers to a list of books or sources used in research or writing.
2. "Latrous" comes from the Greek word "latreia", meaning "worship" or "adoration". This root is often used in words that denote worship or devotion. For instance, "idolatrous" refers to the worship of idols or excessive devotion to something.
By combining these two roots, "bibliolatrous" is formed. It signifies excessive reverence or worship of books or a strong devotion to literature.