sensualist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, literary, descriptive
Quick answer
What does “sensualist” mean?
A person who prioritizes and takes great pleasure in physical and sensory experiences, especially those related to physical comfort, food, drink, and sexuality.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who prioritizes and takes great pleasure in physical and sensory experiences, especially those related to physical comfort, food, drink, and sexuality.
A person devoted to the pursuit of sensory gratification and luxury, often with connotations of self-indulgence. Historically, a follower of the philosophical doctrine of Sensualism, which argues that all knowledge originates in sensory experience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical or syntactic differences in usage. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used in a literary or historical context in both varieties. The negative connotation of self-indulgence is consistent.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly more likely to appear in British literary/academic texts discussing 18th/19th century philosophy or character archetypes.
Grammar
How to Use “sensualist” in a Sentence
[be/become] a sensualistdescribe someone as a sensualistlive like a sensualistthe philosophy of the sensualistVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sensualist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form. Potential coinage: 'He seemed to sensualise every experience, focusing only on its tactile qualities.']
American English
- [No standard verb form. Potential coinage: 'The film sensualizes the act of cooking, making it the central romance.']
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form. Use 'sensually'.] He lived sensualistly, rejecting all forms of denial.
American English
- [No standard adverb form. Use 'sensually'.] She approached life sensualistly, seeking pleasure in every moment.
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form. Use 'sensual' or 'sensuous'.] His sensualist philosophy was evident in his lavish lifestyle.
American English
- [No standard adjective form. Use 'sensual' or 'sensuous'.] The menu reflected a sensualist approach to dining.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially pejorative: 'The CEO's sensualist tendencies were seen as a distraction from the company's austerity drive.'
Academic
Found in philosophy (Sensualism vs. Rationalism), literary criticism (character analysis), and cultural studies. 'The poet was a sensualist, detailing textures and tastes with precise language.'
Everyday
Very rare in casual speech. Would sound formal or judgmental. 'My uncle is such a sensualist—he spends all his money on fine wine and gourmet food.'
Technical
Specific to philosophical discourse denoting an adherent of Sensualism (e.g., Condillac).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sensualist”
- Using it to mean 'a sensitive or emotional person'.
- Confusing it with 'sensationalist' (one who uses exciting stories to provoke public interest).
- Spelling as 'sensualyst' or 'sensualyst'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very close. A hedonist seeks pleasure broadly (mental, emotional, physical). A sensualist is a type of hedonist specifically focused on pleasures of the physical senses.
Rarely. It is usually neutral-descriptive in philosophy, but in general use, it carries a negative connotation of excess and self-indulgence, unlike the more positive 'epicure' or 'connoisseur'.
A 'sensualist' seeks sensory pleasure. A 'sensationalist' (e.g., a tabloid journalist) uses shocking stories to arouse public interest or excitement—it's about provoking a reaction, not personal indulgence.
No, 'sensualist' is gender-neutral. Historically, 'sensualist' was used for all people. Context clarifies gender.
A person who prioritizes and takes great pleasure in physical and sensory experiences, especially those related to physical comfort, food, drink, and sexuality.
Sensualist is usually formal, literary, descriptive in register.
Sensualist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsen.ʃu.ə.lɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsen.ʃu.ə.lɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not a highly idiomatic word. Often used in descriptive phrases like 'He lived the life of a sensualist.']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SENSUAL-IST. Someone who is an 'ist' (specialist/advocate) for SENSUAL (physical, sensory) pleasures.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A FEAST FOR THE SENSES (for the sensualist).
Practice
Quiz
In a philosophical context, a 'sensualist' is primarily concerned with: