hedonism

Definitions

hedon (pleasure) + -ism (doctrine, belief) = "the belief in pleasure." Traced to Epicurus, who argued pleasure is the natural goal of life. The -ism marks it as a principle or doctrine, not just an act.

Why It Means This

The word lives a double life. As a philosophical term it is precise and serious — pleasure as the supreme good. In popular use it drifts toward indulgence and excess. The same word can be neutral in a textbook and disapproving in a magazine; only context tells you which.

Common Collocations

• 1.pure hedonism纯粹的享乐
• 2.a life of hedonism享乐的生活
• 3.ethical hedonism伦理享乐主义

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The ancient school of hedonism held that pleasure is the only true good.

• 2.

  Critics accused the resort of selling pure hedonism to the wealthy.

• 3.

  His later years were a turn away from ambition toward quiet hedonism.

Synonym Comparison