Well-read · Philosophy & belief · Character
Hedonism: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Hedonism noun. The pursuit of pleasure as the main goal of life, or the belief that pleasure is the highest good.
How to say it
HEE-duh-niz-um/ˈhiːd(ə)nɪz(ə)m/ · American /ˈhɛdənɪzəm/
4 syllables, stressed on the first (HEE). Forms: hedonist, hedonistic.
Hedonism in a sentence
Their week in Ibiza was pure hedonism: sun, music and breakfast at three in the afternoon.
Epicurus is often linked with hedonism, though he preached simple pleasures and calm.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- pleasure-seeking
- self-indulgence
- sybaritism
- epicureanism
Opposite:
- asceticism
- puritanism
Where hedonism comes from
From Greek hēdonē, pleasure.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Epicurus is often linked with _____, though he preached simple pleasures and calm.
- relativism
- heresy
- hedonism
Show the answer
hedonism: Epicurus is often linked with hedonism, though he preached simple pleasures and calm.