A Word on Vocabulary #14: “Thalassophile”

Do you sea what I sea?

Do you love the sea? There is definitely something mesmerising about oceans. They’re big, they’re majestic, and they’re a force to be reckoned with. Gone are the days when the majority of long-distance travellers would go by ship. In this day and age of flight, we can easily miss out on the beauty of cruising the oceans of our world. And yet, there are still plenty of people who have the love of the sea in their heart.

Meaning: someone who loves the sea.

Origin: from the Greek word thálassa, meaning “sea”, and the Greek word phílos, meaning “dear” or “beloved”.

Example: “Even though he was forced into retirement, the Captain would always be a thalassophile.”

The sea has captured the hearts of many people over time—epic tales of naval adventure, exciting histories of intercontinental exploration, luxurious holidays on cruise ships, and personal journeys on private yachts. Not all have had the pleasure of travelling by sea, but I dare say a great many more will be captivated by its majesty for many years to come. That is to say, if you don’t suffer from sea-sickness. Then maybe a plane is a better option. How sad.

Cruise ship sailing near an island at sunset.