- Today's Word
Serentia
[seh-ren-shuh]
Definition
- (noun) This harmonious term combines “Serene,” meaning calm and peaceful, with “Essentia,” signifying the intrinsic nature or essence. It’s used to describe a moment or atmosphere where tranquility is not just external but embodies the very essence of its existence.
Example
Picture a secluded beach at sunset, where the gentle sound of waves and the warm hues of the sky create a serene and tranquil ambiance. It’s not just a sunset; it’s a Serentia retreat. You might say, “The beach at sunset wasn’t just about the colors; it was a Serentia retreat. The tranquil ambiance seemed to embody the very essence of peace and serenity.”
Fun Fact
“Serene” relates to being calm and peaceful, often associated with a tranquil atmosphere, while “Essentia” signifies the intrinsic nature or essence. “Serentia” creatively combines these concepts to celebrate moments or atmospheres where tranquility is not just external but embodies the very essence of its existence.
(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.