1
Core meaning
A person who treats pleasure and enjoyment as the chief goals of life.
Example
The novel's hedonist pursues luxury without considering consequences.
hedonist
/ˈhiːdənɪst/ · HEE-duh-nistnoun
A person who treats pleasure and enjoyment as the chief goals of life.
Use hedonist to express this relationship precisely: a person who treats pleasure and enjoyment as the chief goals of life.
What hedonist Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
He enjoyed comfort but was not the careless hedonist critics described.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
The philosopher contrasts the ascetic with the hedonist.
Use hedonist Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The novel's hedonist pursues luxury without considering consequences.
He enjoyed comfort but was not the careless hedonist critics described.
The philosopher contrasts the ascetic with the hedonist.
Precision Matters
Hedonist overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
hedonist
vs.Means a person who treats pleasure and enjoyment as the chief goals of life.
ascetic
Means a person who practises strict self-discipline and deliberately avoids physical comforts or pleasures.
hedonist
vs.Means a person who treats pleasure and enjoyment as the chief goals of life.
indulgent
Means overly generous, permissive, or lenient.
hedonist
vs.Means a person who treats pleasure and enjoyment as the chief goals of life.
frugal
Means careful and economical in the use of money, materials, or resources.
hedonist
vs.Means a person who treats pleasure and enjoyment as the chief goals of life.
austere
Means severe or strict in manner; lacking luxury.
Test hedonist in Context
The character makes personal pleasure the central aim of life.
1
Devoted to luxury, feasting, and entertainment, the character is portrayed as a ___.