epicurean
/ˌɛp.ɪ.kjʊəˈɹiː.n̩/
epicurean means pursuing pleasure, especially in reference to food or comfort. It carries an Arena rating of 1503, earned across 4 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, epicurean ranks #2,328 of 14,438 for Most Storied Words, #2,382 of 14,297 for Words That Escaped Their Books, #7,084 of 14,414 for Most Elegant Words, #7,097 of 14,322 for Scariest Words.
epicurean is pronounced /ˌɛp.ɪ.kjʊəˈɹiː.n̩/.
Why “epicurean” is a great word
Devoted to the refined and cultivated enjoyment of sensual pleasures, particularly of food and comfort, or relating to the philosophy that advocates such a life. From Latin Epicūrēus ('of Epicurus'), from Greek Epikoúreios, from the name of the philosopher Epicurus (c. 341–270 BCE), combined with the English suffix -an; first attested in English in the late 14th century. Unlike a hedonist, who may chase pleasure indiscriminately, or an ascetic, who renounces it entirely, the epicurean seeks a measured, aesthetic delight. It is the patient reduction of a sauce to its essential velvet, the weight of cool linen on sun-warmed skin, the deliberate choice of a single, perfect peach over a bushel of bland ones—a quiet discipline in the pursuit of joy, where true satisfaction lies not in excess, but in the art of savoring.
Etymology
From Epicurean (“follower of Epicureanism”).
adj
- Pursuing pleasure, especially in reference to food or comfort.“The powers of the Canadian voyageurs and hunters in the consumption of meat strike the greenhorn with wonder and astonishment; and are only equalled by the gastronomical capabilities exhibited by Indian dogs, both following the same plan in their epicurean gorgings.”
- Devoted to luxurious living.
- Of or relating to Epicurus or Epicureanism, his philosophy.
noun
- One who is devoted to pleasure.“I keep but a man and a maid, ever ready to slander and steal ; / I know it, and smile a hard-set smile, like a stoic, or like / A wiser epicurean, and let the world have its way.”
- a follower of Epicurus and Epicureanism
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