libertinism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low FrequencyFormal / Literary / Historical
Quick answer
What does “libertinism” mean?
The practice or lifestyle of being a libertine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice or lifestyle of being a libertine; unrestrained, licentious behaviour, particularly in sexual matters.
A broader philosophy or attitude rejecting conventional moral or religious constraints, often characterized by hedonism, scepticism, and a rejection of authority. Historically, it could refer to religious freethinking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage.
Connotations
Identical strong negative connotations of immoral excess in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech in both regions, slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or literary analysis due to its association with specific historical periods (e.g., Restoration England).
Grammar
How to Use “libertinism” in a Sentence
the libertinism of [the aristocracy/the age/a character]to descend into libertinisma life of libertinismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “libertinism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The play explored the libertine court of Charles II.
- He wrote a treatise against libertine philosophies.
American English
- The novel depicted the city's libertine subculture.
- She rejected his libertine advances.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, philosophical, and religious studies to critique or describe moral attitudes and behaviours of specific periods (e.g., the Restoration) or philosophical movements.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used for hyperbolic or humorous effect to criticise someone's perceived lack of restraint.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “libertinism”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “libertinism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “libertinism”
- Confusing it with 'libertarianism' (a political philosophy). Misspelling as 'libertinism' (correct is with 'e'). Using it to describe a single act rather than a sustained practice or philosophy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different. Libertarianism is a political philosophy emphasising minimal state intervention and individual liberty in economic and social spheres. Libertinism is a moral/philosophical stance emphasising personal freedom from conventional morals, especially in sexual conduct.
In modern usage, it is almost exclusively negative. Historically, some philosophical libertines saw themselves as enlightened free-thinkers, but the term as used today implies criticism and condemnation of immoral excess.
They overlap significantly. Hedonism is the broader pursuit of pleasure as the highest good. Libertinism is a specific form of hedonism that actively rejects and defies established social, religious, and moral norms in that pursuit.
No, it is a very low-frequency, formal word. You will encounter it primarily in academic writing, historical texts, or sophisticated literary criticism, not in everyday conversation.
The practice or lifestyle of being a libertine.
Libertinism is usually formal / literary / historical in register.
Libertinism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪbətiːnɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪbərtənɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A 'libertine' lives without 'liberty' from moral rules. The '-ism' makes it the system or practice of living that way.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY IS A CONSTRAINT/BONDAGE; thus, libertinism is freedom from that bondage (often seen as destructive freedom).
Practice
Quiz
In a historical context, 'libertinism' most precisely refers to: