Hedonism
noun /ˈhiː.dən.ɪ.z(ə)m/ — The pursuit of pleasure as the highest good
Definition
The ethical position that pleasure is the highest good and proper aim of human life — or more loosely, a lifestyle devoted to pleasure and self-indulgence.
Beyond the definition
The philosophy of enjoyment made explicit. Hedonism is the theory that what we already do naturally — pursue pleasure and avoid pain — is also what we ought to do.
Origin & history
From Greek 'hēdonē' (pleasure, delight) + '-ism'. The doctrine of pleasure. The ancient Epicureans were mistakenly called hedonists — their actual philosophy was more about contentment than pleasure.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The Epicureans were accused of hedonism but actually advocated for modest pleasures and the absence of pain.
Hedonism, as a personal philosophy, often produces less pleasure than it promises — the pursuit of pleasure is not the same as experiencing it.
A sophisticated hedonism attends carefully to what actually produces lasting pleasure versus what merely seems to.
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 “Hedonism” when the meaning fits your context: The ethical position that pleasure is the highest good and proper aim of human life — or more loosely, a lifestyle devoted to pleasure and self-indulgence.
Synonyms
pleasure-seeking, epicureanism, sensuality, self-indulgence
Antonyms
asceticism, puritanism, stoicism
Related words
Hedonism vs epicureanism
Hedonism suggests that pleasure is the highest good and should be pursued without limits. Epicureanism advocates for the intelligent selection of pleasures to ensure long-term tranquility.
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Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Stylish Brunch Setup
Friends stage a stylish brunch in an upscale cafe with elaborate drinks and a marble table setting.
The focus on luxury, social display, and the indulgence of food and drink illustrates a lifestyle dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure, characterizing hedonism.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Hedonism" mean?
Hedonism is noun meaning: The pursuit of pleasure as the highest good. The ethical position that pleasure is the highest good and proper aim of human life — or more loosely, a lifestyle devoted to pleasure and self-indulgence.
Where does the word "Hedonism" come from?
From Greek 'hēdonē' (pleasure, delight) + '-ism'. The doctrine of pleasure. The ancient Epicureans were mistakenly called hedonists — their actual philosophy was more about contentment than pleasure.