philately
UK: fɪˈlæt.əl.i | US: fɪˈlæt̬.əl.i
n. the collection and study of postage stamps and related materials
philately = phil<love> + ately<tax exemption>
- phil (from Greek philos, meaning "loving" or "fond of")
- ately (from Greek ateleia, meaning "tax exemption," referencing early stamps' function as proof of prepaid postage)
Etymology Origin:
Coined in 1864 by French collector Georges Herpin, combining Greek roots to describe stamp collecting. The term cleverly ties the hobby (phil) to the historical purpose of stamps (ately—originally marking tax-free mail). Over time, "philately" narrowed from postal systems broadly to focus on stamps.
His passion for philately began when he inherited his grandfather’s stamp album.
The museum’s philately exhibit features rare 19th-century stamps.
She joined a philately club to trade stamps with other enthusiasts.
Advanced philately often involves studying watermarks and perforations.
The auction house specializes in philately, selling stamps for record prices.