noun
xenia
ZEE-nee-uh
noun
1
The ancient Greek custom and concept of showing generous hospitality to strangers and guests.
"The story illustrates xenia, as the poor farmer shares his last meal with the disguised god."
How to Use Xenia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe Greek cultural ideal of welcoming and caring for guests and travelers, central to ancient Greek myths and society.
Memory tip
You'll mostly meet this word in classics or mythology contexts, describing hospitality as a sacred duty.
Trace the full origin ↓Word Forms
xenias plural
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The story illustrates _____, as the poor farmer shares his last meal with the disguised god.
Etymology
Borrowed via New Latin xenia from Ancient Greek xenía, "hospitality," itself from xénos, "stranger, guest, foreigner."