noun
hedonism
HEE-duh-niz-uhm
Hedonism (noun) means the pursuit of pleasure and enjoyment as the main aim of life, often with little regard for restraint or consequences. Example: “The resort sold a weekend of pure hedonism: no clocks, no plans, no rules.”
noun
1
The pursuit of pleasure and enjoyment as the main aim of life, often with little regard for restraint or consequences.
"The resort sold a weekend of pure hedonism: no clocks, no plans, no rules."
"Critics accused the band of drifting from protest into hedonism."
2
formal In philosophy, the doctrine that pleasure is the highest good and that actions are right in so far as they produce it.
"Utilitarian thinkers built on a form of hedonism in which the greatest pleasure for the greatest number defines the good."
How to use hedonism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiving for pleasure and enjoyment above everything else.
When to use it
Neutral in philosophy, but usually mildly disapproving in everyday use.
Memory tip
The person is a hedonist and the adjective is hedonistic; hedonism itself is only ever a noun.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
pure hedonism
a life of hedonism
hedonism and excess
unapologetic hedonism
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The resort sold a weekend of pure _____: no clocks, no plans, no rules.
Etymology
From Greek hēdonē, meaning 'pleasure', with the suffix -ism.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for hedonism
See all rhymes for hedonism →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hedonism and epicureanism?
Hedonism in its popular sense means chasing pleasure and intense enjoyment. Epicureanism, though technically a kind of hedonism, taught that the greatest pleasure comes from moderation, friendship and freedom from pain rather than indulgence. In practice the two words now point in almost opposite directions.
Is hedonism a negative word?
Usually, yes, in everyday English it carries a note of disapproval, suggesting excess and a lack of responsibility. In philosophical writing it is a neutral technical label for a family of ethical theories.
What is the opposite of hedonism?
Asceticism is the clearest opposite: the deliberate denial of pleasure and comfort, often for spiritual or moral reasons. Stoicism is also frequently contrasted with it, since it values self-control over enjoyment.
What is the meaning of hedonism?
"hedonism" (noun) means the pursuit of pleasure and enjoyment as the main aim of life, often with little regard for restraint or consequences.
