noun

xenia

ZEE-nee-uh

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Xenia (noun) means the ancient Greek custom and concept of showing generous hospitality to strangers and guests. Example: “The story illustrates xenia, as the poor farmer shares his last meal with the disguised god.”

noun

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 notes

In 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.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: xenias

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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."

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for xenia

Odia aria India Syria ataxia Latvia acacia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia begonia anaemia

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Frequently asked questions

What does “xenia” mean?

The word “xenia” means the ancient Greek custom and concept of showing generous hospitality to strangers and guests. In plain terms, the Greek cultural ideal of welcoming and caring for guests and travelers, central to ancient Greek myths and society.

How do you pronounce “xenia”?

“Xenia” is pronounced ZEE-nee-uh (/ˈziːniə/ in IPA).

How do you use “xenia” in a sentence?

Here is “xenia” used in a sentence: “The story illustrates xenia, as the poor farmer shares his last meal with the disguised god.”

What part of speech is “xenia”?

“Xenia” is a noun.

Where does the word “xenia” come from?

The word “xenia” comes from Ancient Greek. Borrowed via New Latin xenia from Ancient Greek xenía, "hospitality," itself from xénos, "stranger, guest, foreigner.".

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