- Today's Word
Hedonist
HEE-duh-nist (or HED-uh-nist)
Definition
- (noun) A person who pursues pleasure as the highest goal in life.
Example
As a true hedonist, he spent his days traveling to exotic beaches and indulging in the finest foods.
Fun Fact
Hedonism has roots in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly with thinkers like Epicurus, who believed that the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain were key to a good life. However, modern hedonism often carries a more indulgent or carefree connotation, sometimes associated with extravagance. Interestingly, psychological studies suggest that true happiness comes not from constant pleasure but from a balance of meaningful experiences and enjoyment!
(noun) A person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure and sensory enjoyment is the highest good and chief aim of life
A self-proclaimed hedonist, she planned her entire sabbatical around exceptional food, warm weather, and long afternoons with nothing to do.
Hedonist derives from the Greek hedone, meaning “pleasure” or “delight,” from hedys (“sweet”). The philosophical school of Hedonism was formally developed in ancient Greece — most notably by Epicurus, who argued that pleasure, properly understood, was the foundation of a good life. The word entered English in the 19th century as both a philosophical term and a descriptor for those who live purely for sensory gratification.