'philatelic' originates from French, specifically the word 'philatélique,' where 'phil-' meant 'loving' and 'atelia' meant 'exemption from tax or charge.'

'philatélique' transformed into the English word 'philatelic' and has retained its meaning related to stamp collecting.

Initially, it meant 'exemption from tax or charge,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning related to stamp collecting.