hedonist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “hedonist” mean?
A person who believes that pleasure is the most important thing in life.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who believes that pleasure is the most important thing in life; someone devoted to pleasure-seeking.
More broadly, a person who prioritises sensory enjoyment and the avoidance of pain, often associated with a philosophical stance (Hedonism) or a lifestyle characterised by luxury and self-indulgence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The concept is understood identically.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties, though may be slightly more literary in British English.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “hedonist” in a Sentence
[Person] is/was a hedonist.The life of a hedonist.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hedonist” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His hedonistic lifestyle was funded by a large inheritance.
- The film portrayed a hedonistic era of excess.
American English
- She rejected his hedonistic philosophy in favor of simple living.
- The city's hedonistic nightlife is famous worldwide.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in critiques of corporate culture or luxury marketing.
Academic
Common in philosophy, ethics, and cultural studies discussions.
Everyday
Used to describe someone perceived as excessively pleasure-focused.
Technical
A specific term in ethical philosophy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hedonist”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hedonist”
- Misspelling as 'hedonistic' (the adjective) when the noun is needed.
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'happy person' or 'optimist'.
- Confusing with 'nihilist'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always, but it often has a mildly critical tone, suggesting self-indulgence. In philosophical contexts, it is a neutral, descriptive term.
Traditionally, an Epicurean (from the philosophy of Epicurus) sought lasting, serene pleasure and avoided pain, often through simple living. A modern 'hedonist' is more broadly associated with active, often luxurious, pleasure-seeking.
No. The adjective form is 'hedonistic'. You describe a 'hedonistic lifestyle', not a 'hedonist lifestyle'.
No common verb exists. You would use phrases like 'pursue pleasure', 'live hedonistically', or 'indulge'.
A person who believes that pleasure is the most important thing in life.
Hedonist is usually formal, literary in register.
Hedonist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhiː.də.nɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhiː.də.nɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Live like a hedonist”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HE DON't care about rules, HE DON't think of tomorrow, HE only wants pleasure NOW.' HE+DON+IST.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A FEAST (for the hedonist).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is closest in meaning to 'hedonist'?