Bibliomania is a term that refers to an excessive or uncontrollable desire to collect and possess books. It is a condition that affects many people, and it is often associated with a love of reading and a passion for books. In this article, we will explore the meaning and definition of bibliomania, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Bibliomania is defined as an excessive or irrational love of books, especially rare or antique books. It is also known as book mania, book collecting, or book addiction. People who suffer from bibliomania often spend large amounts of money on books, and they may spend hours searching for rare books to add to their collection.
Origin
The term bibliomania comes from the Greek words biblio, which means book, and mania, which means madness or frenzy. The word was first used in the 18th century to describe the behavior of book collectors who were obsessed with acquiring rare and valuable books.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bibliomania is defined as “excessive fondness for acquiring and possessing books.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “an excessive fondness for collecting books, especially rare or antique books.”
Associations
Bibliomania is often associated with a love of reading and a passion for books. It is also associated with the desire to own and possess rare and valuable books. People who suffer from bibliomania may spend hours browsing bookstores and online marketplaces in search of rare books to add to their collection.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bibliomania include book addiction, book collecting, book mania, and book obsession.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for bibliomania, but some opposite terms might include book indifference or book aversion.
The same root words
Some other words that share the same root words as bibliomania include bibliophile (a person who loves books), biblioteca (a library), and bibliotheca (a collection of books).
Example Sentences
- John’s bibliomania has led him to spend thousands of dollars on rare and antique books.
- Sarah’s love of books has turned into a full-blown case of bibliomania.
- The bibliophile’s collection of books was so extensive that it filled an entire room.
Bibliomania is a term that describes an excessive or uncontrollable love of books. It is a condition that affects many people, and it is often associated with a passion for reading and a desire to own rare and valuable books. While bibliomania can be a harmless hobby, it can also become a problem if it leads to excessive spending or hoarding of books.