Word

hedonism

noun C1

/ˈhɛdənɪzəm/

Meanings

noun

The belief that pleasure is the highest good and a key purpose of life.

noun

A lifestyle focused on enjoying oneself and indulging in pleasure, often with little concern for restraint.

Definition

Hedonism is the belief or way of life that prioritizes pleasure as the most important goal.

Hedonism is the idea that pleasure and enjoyment are central to a good life. It can refer to a philosophical view about what makes life valuable or to a lifestyle focused on seeking fun and comfort. In everyday use, it often suggests indulgence and a preference for immediate gratification over restraint.

Examples

Her essays explore how hedonism can clash with the demands of responsibility.
I used to dismiss hedonism, but travel taught me that small pleasures can be deeply meaningful.
They criticized the company culture as a kind of hedonism that rewarded short-term thrills over long-term goals.
In the novel, his hedonism gradually isolates him from the people who care about him.

Common mistake

Learners often use hedonism to mean any happiness, but it specifically emphasizes pleasure and indulgence rather than general well-being.