Philatelic is a word that means related to stamp collecting. The spelling of this word is derived from the Greek word for love of stamps, "philatelía". The IPA phonetic transcription for philatelic is /fɪləˈtɛlɪk/. The "ph" at the beginning of the word is pronounced like an "f", while the "i" in the second syllable is pronounced like an "e". The stress falls on the third syllable. So, in summary, philatelic is pronounced as "fil-uh-TEL-ik".
Philatelic is an adjective that pertains to the field of philately, which is the collection, study, and analysis of postage stamps and related items. This term originates from the Greek word "philatelos," meaning "loving postage/stamps." Philatelic encompasses various aspects, including the study of stamps' design, production, distribution, and usage, as well as the historical, cultural, and artistic significance they hold.
In a broader sense, philatelic refers to anything related to or associated with stamp collecting and the stamp world. This can include activities such as buying, selling, trading, and exhibiting stamps, as well as the identification, classification, and valuation of stamp collections. Furthermore, philatelic can describe the art of creating stamp designs, collecting postal stationery, studying postal history, or exploring the intricacies of cancellation marks and other postal markings.
Being widely recognized as a hobby, philately also serves as a profound research tool for historians, academics, and archaeologists, providing insights into various aspects of societies, cultures, and communication networks throughout history. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, philatelic brings together individuals with diverse interests, ranging from history and geography to art and culture.
Overall, philatelic covers a multitude of activities and studies centered around the world of postage stamps, offering enthusiasts and scholars a vast realm of exploration and appreciation for these miniature, adhesive pieces of art and historical artifacts.
The word "philatelic" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "philos" meaning "loving" or "fond of", and "atelēs" meaning "imperforate" or "not liable to be taxed". The Greek word for postage stamp is "phílaton", derived from "philos" (loving) and "atelēs" (imperforate), and "philatelie" is the French variation of the same word. In 1865, the English collector George Herpin proposed using the term "philately" to refer to the study of stamps, and it gradually gained acceptance. Consequently, the adjective form "philatelic" emerged to describe anything related to stamp collecting or the fields associated with it.