hedonism

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun the pursuit of pleasure as a matter of ethical principle
noun an ethical system that evaluates the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good

First attested 1856: from Ancient Greek ἡδονή (hēdonḗ, “pleasure”) + -ism.

But what a perfect declaration of hedonism! — The best British short stories of 1922, Unknown
Life at thirty-eight had become for Aleck Robertson a succession of minor hedonisms. — Changeling, and Other Stories, Donn Byrne
We must beware of confusing Smith’s optimism with that of modern Hedonism, or of identifying it with Bastiat’s answer to the socialists. — A history of economic doctrines : $b from the time of the physiocrats to the present day, Charles Gide

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