The Meaning of Philotimo

With no direct English translation for the Greek word philotimo, it would be easy to say the word defies translation, but it is easy to sense the feeling it evokes. With root words in Greek “filos,” meaning friend, and “time,” meaning honor, it essentially equates to “honor your friends.”

As a Philotimo person, I always consider the act of running like a gathering place to share life experiences with friends, the basic translation certainly applies.

But in Greek culture, the word has a deeper meaning. Greeks use the word philotimo to convey a sense of pride in everything one does, from small acts of kindness to supporting one’s community to doing the right thing. The principles of philotimo remind us of the benefits of coming together for a stronger community–something I, Etienne, strive to do for the communities with my multiple implications within the community and by creating Philotimo Coaching.