epicure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal/Literary
Quick answer
What does “epicure” mean?
a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink
A person with refined and discriminating tastes, especially in luxury, comfort, or sensual pleasures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties, though the term is slightly more common in British literary contexts.
Connotations
Both share connotations of refined taste and indulgence. Can sometimes carry a mildly negative connotation of being overly focused on luxury or hedonism.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both dialects, found more in writing than in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “epicure” in a Sentence
[Determiner] + epicure + [preposition] + [food/drink type] (e.g., an epicure of fine wines)epicure + [verb of appreciation] (e.g., epicures savour)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epicure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in marketing luxury goods (e.g., 'catering to the modern epicure').
Academic
Used in historical/philosophical contexts about Epicureanism, or in cultural studies of food.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation; 'foodie' is more common.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “epicure”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “epicure”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epicure”
- Confusing with 'epicurean' (adjective). 'Epicure' is the person; 'epicurean' describes tastes/pleasures.
- Misspelling as 'epicurist' (rare/non-standard).
- Overuse in informal contexts where 'food lover' suffices.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'foodie' is an enthusiastic amateur, while an 'epicure' implies more refined, knowledgeable, and often luxurious tastes.
No, the adjective form is 'epicurean'. One has 'epicurean tastes', but is an 'epicure'.
An 'epicure' emphasises discriminating taste and pleasure. A 'gourmand' can imply a hearty, sometimes less discriminating, appetite.
Usually yes, implying sophisticated taste. However, in certain contexts, it can be a mild criticism for being overly focused on sensual pleasures.
a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink.
Epicure is usually formal/literary in register.
Epicure: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɛpɪkjʊə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɛpɪkjʊr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He lives like an epicure.”
- “It's a feast fit for an epicure.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EPIC + CURE. An EPICURE seeks an EPIC CURE for boredom through exquisite food.
Conceptual Metaphor
TASTE IS DISCERNMENT (A person with good taste is wise/knowledgeable). PLEASURE IS A JOURNEY/GUIDE (One who pursues pleasure as a path).
Practice
Quiz
Which word is closest in meaning to 'epicure' but with a stronger negative connotation of excessive luxury?