libertine
Libertine (noun) means a person, especially a man, who ignores conventional moral standards and pursues pleasure freely. Example: “The novel's hero is a notorious libertine who charms and abandons a string of lovers.”
How to use libertine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who lives by their own rules, especially when it comes to sex and pleasure, ignoring social morals.
Often used with a slightly literary or old-fashioned flavour, especially in historical fiction.
Word forms
more libertine comparative, libertines plural, libertines plural, most libertine superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The novel's hero is a notorious _____ who charms and abandons a string of lovers.
Etymology
From Latin libertinus, "a freedman" (a former slave), from liber, "free." The word shifted from describing legal freedom to describing moral looseness.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for libertine
See all rhymes for libertine →Frequently asked questions
What does “libertine” mean?
The word “libertine” means a person, especially a man, who ignores conventional moral standards and pursues pleasure freely. In plain terms, someone who lives by their own rules, especially when it comes to sex and pleasure, ignoring social morals.
How do you pronounce “libertine”?
“Libertine” is pronounced LIHB-uh-teen (/ˈlɪb.ɚ.tin/ in IPA).
How do you use “libertine” in a sentence?
Here is “libertine” used in a sentence: “The novel's hero is a notorious libertine who charms and abandons a string of lovers.”
What is another word for “libertine”?
Words with a similar meaning to “libertine” include adulterer, bed-hopper, carpetmonger, chamberer, debauchee and debaucher.
What is the opposite of “libertine”?
The opposite of “libertine” — its antonyms — are celibate, celibatist, monogamist and virgin.
What part of speech is “libertine”?
Depending on how it is used, “libertine” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “libertine” come from?
The word “libertine” comes from Latin. From Latin libertinus, "a freedman" (a former slave), from liber, "free." The word shifted from describing legal freedom to describing moral looseness.
How many meanings does “libertine” have?
“Libertine” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person, especially a man, who ignores conventional moral standards and pursues pleasure freely.