Epicureanism
noun /ˌɛpɪkjʊəˈriːənɪzəm/ — The philosophy of simple pleasures and the tranquility of the mind — often misunderstood as hedonism.
Definition
The philosophical system of Epicurus, which held that the highest good is the pursuit of modest, sustainable pleasures (particularly friendship and philosophical discourse) combined with freedom from fear and bodily pain.
Beyond the definition
Epicureanism has been catastrophically misunderstood — it's not about excess but about the careful cultivation of pleasure small enough to be reliably available. Epicurus lived modestly; his followers met in a garden. The philosophy is closer to mindfulness than to luxury.
Origin & history
From Epicurus (Greek Epikouros) — an ancient Athenian philosopher (341-270 BCE) who founded a school of philosophy called the Garden. His name means 'ally' or 'comrade' (from epi: on top of + kouros: boy, youth).
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The epicureanism she'd arrived at in her forties was nothing like her earlier idea of it — quieter, more sustainable.
Genuine epicureanism recommends the pleasures available in any weather — friendship, good food, honest conversation.
We've turned epicureanism into its opposite: the word now means excess, the philosophy recommended simplicity.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Epicureanism” when the meaning fits your context: The philosophical system of Epicurus, which held that the highest good is the pursuit of modest, sustainable pleasures (particularly friendship and philosophical discourse) combined with freedom from fear and bodily pain.
Synonyms
hedonism, pleasure-seeking, aesthetic philosophy
Antonyms
Related words
Epicureanism vs hedonism
Epicureanism seeks happiness through modest pleasures and the avoidance of pain. Hedonism prioritizes immediate, physical self-indulgence as the ultimate goal.
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Fictional scene
Simple Pleasures After Dinner
An adult sits at a table after a meal, reflecting on the experience while watching a candle flame in the dim light.
This image captures the epicurean focus on modest, sustainable pleasure, such as the enjoyment of a shared meal and the quiet contemplation that follows. The emphasis on lingering suggests a life free from immediate fear or pain, favoring thoughtful, sensory satisfaction.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Epicureanism" mean?
Epicureanism is noun meaning: The philosophy of simple pleasures and the tranquility of the mind — often misunderstood as hedonism.. The philosophical system of Epicurus, which held that the highest good is the pursuit of modest, sustainable pleasures (particularly friendship and philosophical discourse) combined with freedom from fear and bodily pain.
Where does the word "Epicureanism" come from?
From Epicurus (Greek Epikouros) — an ancient Athenian philosopher (341-270 BCE) who founded a school of philosophy called the Garden. His name means 'ally' or 'comrade' (from epi: on top of + kouros: boy, youth).