biophilia
|bi-o-phil-i-a|
🇺🇸
/ˌbaɪoʊˈfɪliə/
🇬🇧
/ˌbaɪəʊˈfɪliə/
love of life / nature
Etymology
'biophilia' originates from Modern Greek/Neo-Latin formation, specifically the combining elements 'bio-' and '-philia', where 'bios' meant 'life' and 'philia' meant 'love'.
'biophilia' was coined in English in the 20th century from Greek elements and was popularized in scientific and popular usage by E.O. Wilson's 1984 book 'Biophilia', which discussed humans' innate affinity for nature.
Initially it meant 'love of life' or a fondness for living things; over time it has come to be used more specifically as a scientific and design-related term referring to the innate human tendency to connect with nature.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the innate human tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life; a psychological/ecological concept.
Biophilia may explain why many people feel calmer and happier in green spaces.
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Noun 2
a love of living things; a preference or attraction toward life and living organisms.
Her biophilia led her to study ecology and volunteer at wildlife centers.
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Noun 3
in design and architecture, the incorporation of natural elements and patterns to support human well-being (biophilic design).
Many hospitals now use biophilia principles in their design to improve patient recovery.
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Last updated: 2026/01/14 14:37