Hydrophilic refers to
substances that absorb water. A hydrophilic substance will
bond, on a molecular level with water.
Hydrophobic materials hate water and repel it.
Hygroscopic refers to the ability of a material
to absorb humidity from the air. A hygroscopic substance
will actively attract and absorb water, without bonding. A
hygroscope indicates changes in humidity.
Water is hydrophilic (mixes with more
water easily) and oils or fats are generally hydrophobic and
separate from
water, forming an oily layer.
The suffix "philic" means loving or attracted to. The suffix
"phobic" means
fear or fearful.