Meaning & use
sensualism
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Meanings
noununcountableformaltechnical
The view that all knowledge comes from the senses, or a strong devotion to physical pleasure.
Grammar: Uncountable, so it takes a singular verb and no article: 'Sensualism was central to his theory.'
Patterns
- a philosophy of sensualism
- the doctrine of sensualism
In his lectures he contrasted sensualism with the idea that reason alone can produce knowledge.
The novel's critics accused it of promoting sensualism rather than moral reflection.
noununcountableformaldisapproving
The habit of pursuing physical pleasures, especially those of the senses, as the main goal in life.
Grammar: Also uncountable; when you need a countable word for the person, use 'sensualist'.
Patterns
- a life of sensualism
- accuse someone of sensualism
His later years were marked by a quiet sensualism: good food, music, and long baths.
The essay criticizes modern culture for its sensualism and its neglect of thought.
Common combinations
- philosophical sensualism
- Philosophical sensualism holds that the mind begins as a blank page written on by the senses.
- a doctrine of sensualism
- The doctrine of sensualism was popular among certain eighteenth-century thinkers.
- accuse someone of sensualism
- The bishop accused the court of sensualism and luxury.
- contrast sensualism with rationalism
- The course contrasts sensualism with rationalism in early modern thought.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sensationalism
- In philosophy this is a close equivalent, but in everyday use it means shocking reporting, so it is often confusing.
- hedonism
- Better when the emphasis is on pleasure-seeking as a way of life rather than on the theory of knowledge.
- empiricism
- Overlaps in philosophy, but empiricism stresses observation and experiment, not pleasure.
Opposites
Word family
- sensualist noun
- A person who holds this view or lives for physical pleasure.
- sensual adjective
- Relating to the senses or to physical pleasure.
- sensuality noun
- The quality of being sensual; often used of attractiveness or pleasure.
Commonly confused: sensualism or sensationalism? sensualism or sensuality?
sensualism vs sensationalism
Sensationalism usually means exaggerated, shocking news coverage; sensualism is a philosophical position or a lifestyle of pleasure.
sensualism vs sensuality
Sensuality is the quality or experience; sensualism is the doctrine or the habit.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'sensualism' correctly?
Choose one answer.
In philosophy, sensualism is the theory that knowledge comes from the senses, so option 3 fits. Option 1 describes sensationalism, option 2 should be sensuality, and option 4 is not a natural use of the word.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “sensualism”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.