Epicureanism

[ ep-i-kyoo-ree-uh-niz-uhm, -kyoor-ee- ]

/ ˌɛp ɪ kyʊˈri əˌnɪz əm, -ˈkyʊər i- /

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See synonyms for Epicureanism on Thesaurus.com

noun

the philosophical system or doctrine of Epicurus, holding that the external world is a series of fortuitous combinations of atoms and that the highest good is pleasure, interpreted as freedom from disturbance or pain.

(lowercase) epicurean indulgence or habits.

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Also Ep·i·cur·ism

[ep-i-kyoo-riz-uhm, ep-i-kyoor-iz-uhm]. /ˈɛp ɪ kyʊˌrɪz əm, ˌɛp ɪˈkyʊər ɪz əm/.

Origin of Epicureanism

First recorded in 1745–55; epicurean + -ism

Words nearby Epicureanism

epicritic, epic simile, Epictetus, epicure, epicurean, Epicureanism, Epicurus, epicuticle, epicycle, epicyclic train, epicycloid

How to use Epicureanism in a sentence

This highest class begins usually with Stoicism, and ends with Epicureanism.
Solomon Maimon: An Autobiography.|Solomon Maimon
None the less his writings were committed to memory and remained the text-books of Epicureanism to the last.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6|Various
Lucretius is a proof, if any were needed, that Epicureanism is compatible with nobility of soul.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6|Various
The fundamental postulates of Epicureanism are atoms and the void (ἄτομα καὶ κενόν).
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6|Various

It can hardly be denied that as compared with the dogmas against which it reacted there is an element of truth in Epicureanism.
Human Nature and Conduct|John Dewey

Cultural definitions for Epicureanism

Epicureanism

[ (ep-i-kyoo-ree-uh-niz-uhm, ep-i-kyoor-ee-uh-niz-uhm) ]

A form of hedonism defended by several philosophers of ancient Greece. For the Epicureans, the proper goal of action was pleasure — a long-term pleasure, marked by serenity and temperance.