epicurean
ep-ih-kyoo-REE-uhn
/ˌɛpɪkjʊəˈriːən/
Devoted to refined sensory pleasure, especially fond of fine food and drink; luxurious or gourmet.
It carries a connotation of sophisticated, intellectual, and highly selective enjoyment, rather than mindless overindulgence.
The story behind the word. Epicurus founded a school of philosophy that claimed pleasure was the highest good. Ironically, Epicurus himself lived very simply on bread, water, and occasional cheese, advocating for mental tranquility over physical luxury. Over the centuries, his name was reinterpreted to mean the pursuit of luxurious food and drink.
Word relationships
- gourmet: Gourmet is a more common, commercial term for high-quality food, whereas epicurean is a literary term that describes a broader lifestyle and philosophy of refined pleasure.
- sybaritic: Sybaritic emphasizes extreme luxury, self-indulgence, and sensuousness, often with a hint of decadence or laziness, while epicurean focuses on the intellectual appreciation of fine tastes.
- ascetic: An ascetic practices severe self-denial and avoids physical pleasures, the exact opposite of an epicurean.
- puritanical: Puritanical describes a moral opposition to sensory pleasures, whereas epicureanism views refined pleasure as a positive pursuit.
Commonly confused with
- gluttonous: Gluttonous implies eating excessive quantities without control or appreciation, while epicurean implies eating highly refined foods in moderate, appreciative quantities.
Word family
- epicure (noun): A person who takes refined pleasure in fine food and drink.
- epicureanism (noun): The philosophy or lifestyle of an epicurean.
Collocations
- epicurean delights
- epicurean tastes
- epicurean lifestyle
Example sentences
- "He was of a quiet, epicurean temper, and liked to take his pleasures slowly." A classic novel describing a character's refined temperament.
- "Our trip through Tuscany was an epicurean adventure filled with private vineyard tours and truffle hunts." Describing a travel itinerary focused on luxury dining.
Memory hook
Epicurean sounds like 'Epic Cure' — a person who believes fine food and drink is the epic cure for all of life's worries. An epic cure for a boring palate.
When not to use
Do not use to describe raw gluttony or cheap, excessive eating; it must involve refinement and appreciation.
Fun facts
- The shift in meaning from Epicurus's actual philosophy of simple living to the modern definition of luxury was largely driven by early Christian critics who wanted to paint his secular philosophy as sinful indulgence.
Related words
Explore more words
gourmet, connoisseur, delectable, hedonism, cultured, delicacy
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