'philosemitic' originates from Greek and Modern Latin/English compounding, specifically the Greek word 'philos' where the prefix 'philo-' meant 'loving', and from 'Semite' (via Latin/French/German 'Semita') referring to the Semitic peoples.

'philosemitic' developed in English by combining the prefix 'philo-' with 'Semitic' or 'Semite' (and from related nouns such as 'philosemitism') in the late 19th to early 20th century, eventually becoming the modern adjective 'philosemitic'.

Initially it meant 'having a positive attitude toward Semitic peoples'; over time usage has narrowed primarily to attitudes toward Jewish people and Jewish culture, i.e., 'showing sympathy for or admiration of Jews.'