epicureanism

Advancedzipf 1.65

Pronunciation

/ˌɛpɪkjʊˈriːənɪzəm/(ep-ih-kyoo-REE-un-iz-um)

Part of speech

nounformal

Chinese

伊壁鸠鲁主义（追求精神快乐和宁静的哲学）；享乐主义

Definition

The philosophy of Epicurus, which identifies the greatest good as modest pleasure, tranquility, and freedom from fear; commonly (and inaccurately) used to mean devotion to sensory pleasure, especially food and drink.

Word family

  • epicurean/ˌɛpɪkjʊˈriːən/(adj/n)享乐主义的/美食家
  • epicure/ˈɛpɪkjʊr/(n)美食家

Collocations

  • epicurean pleasures
  • epicurean lifestyle
  • epicurean tastes
  • epicurean philosophy

Examples

  1. 1.True Epicureanism is closer to minimalism than hedonism — Epicurus himself lived on bread and water. (philosophical school)
  2. 2.The restaurant caters to epicurean tastes, with a ten-course tasting menu. (refined pleasure in food)

Synonyms

  • hedonism/ˈhiːdənɪzəm/— pursuit of pleasure as the highest good — more extreme
  • sybaritism/ˈsɪbəraɪtɪzəm/— love of luxury and sensual pleasure

Etymology

from Epicurus (Greek philosopher, 341–270 BC) — who taught in his "Garden" in Athens