hedonistic
Hedonistic (adjective) means Devoted to seeking pleasure and enjoyment, often to the point of self-indulgence. Example: “He spent a hedonistic decade in Ibiza before settling down.”
How to Use Hedonistic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAll about chasing a good time.
Slightly formal; frequent in journalism and reviews.
Hedonist is the person, hedonism the belief, hedonistic the description.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
He spent a _____ decade in Ibiza before settling down.
Etymology
From Greek hedone 'pleasure', via hedonism.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related Words
Rhymes for hedonistic
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hedonistic and epicurean?
Hedonistic suggests chasing pleasure hard and often to excess. Epicurean, though it comes from a philosophy of pleasure, now implies refined and moderate enjoyment, especially of food and wine. Calling a meal epicurean is a compliment; calling a lifestyle hedonistic rarely is.
Is hedonistic an insult?
It is usually mildly disapproving, implying someone puts their own enjoyment above duty or health. Used of a holiday or a weekend it is often affectionate and even envious.
What is hedonism in philosophy?
The view that pleasure and the absence of pain are the only things good in themselves. Ethical hedonists such as the utilitarians argued that the right action is the one that produces the most pleasure overall.