Meaning & use
hedonism
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Meanings
noununcountable
The belief that pleasure and enjoyment are the most important things in life, and the way of living based on this.
Grammar: No plural; used as an abstract idea: 'Hedonism is not a plan for old age.'
Patterns
- a life of hedonism
- the philosophy of hedonism
- an age of hedonism
After years of hard work, he threw himself into a life of pure hedonism.
The novel describes the hedonism of the rich in the 1920s.
Some philosophers defended hedonism as the only rational way to live.
noununcountabledisapproving
A way of behaving that shows you care only about your own pleasure, often with disapproval.
Grammar: Often used with a critical tone, especially in public debate about morals or spending.
Patterns
- accuse someone of hedonism
- criticize the hedonism of something
Critics say the festival has turned into a celebration of shallow hedonism.
He was tired of the hedonism he saw among his wealthy friends.
Common combinations
- pure hedonism
- Their weekend was pure hedonism: good food, music, and no work.
- a life of hedonism
- She rejected a life of hedonism and chose to become a doctor.
- the pursuit of hedonism
- The essay questions whether the pursuit of hedonism can ever make us happy.
- modern hedonism
- Modern hedonism is often fueled by advertising and social media.
Synonyms and how they differ
- indulgence
- Focuses on the act of allowing yourself something you enjoy, not on a whole philosophy of life.
- epicureanism
- A more formal term for a refined love of pleasure, especially food and comfort; it sounds less critical than hedonism.
- self-indulgence
- Stronger disapproval; it suggests you are spoiling yourself too much, but it does not imply a belief system.
Opposites
Word family
- hedonist noun
- A person who lives for pleasure.
- hedonistic adjective
- Describing a pleasure-seeking attitude or lifestyle.
- hedonistically adverb
- In a pleasure-seeking way.
Commonly confused: hedonism or nihilism? hedonism or hedonism vs. epicureanism?
hedonism vs nihilism
Nihilism is the belief that life has no meaning; hedonism is the belief that pleasure is the highest good.
hedonism vs hedonism vs. epicureanism
Epicureanism originally valued simple pleasures and friendship; hedonism is often used for a more intense, self-centered pursuit of pleasure.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'hedonism' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Hedonism is an uncountable noun for a pleasure-seeking way of life, so it fits in 'a form of hedonism.' Option A confuses it with a science topic, option C treats it as a physical quality, and option D invents a verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “hedonism”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.