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hedonic

American  
[hee-don-ik] / hiˈdɒn ɪk /

adjective

  1. of, characterizing, or pertaining to pleasure.

    a hedonic thrill.

  2. pertaining to hedonism or hedonics.


Other Word Forms

  • hedonically adverb
  • nonhedonic adjective
  • nonhedonically adverb

Etymology

Origin of hedonic

First recorded in 1650–60; Greek hēdonikós “pleasurable,” from hēdon(ḗ) “pleasure” + -ikos -ic; see also sweet

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The BLS also tries to identify price changes by controlling for improvements in product quality for a lot of goods—including computers, internet access, phone plans, and cars—through a process called hedonic price adjustment.

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2026

This idea of hedonic adaptation — how humans so quickly adapt to this new comfort, this new stimulus — it felt like an interesting thing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Psychologists differentiate between two aspects of happiness: "hedonic wellbeing," related to emotional experiences, and "eudemonic wellbeing," which concerns meaning and purpose in life.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2024

"By understanding the key drivers of hedonic overconsumption, we can develop strategies to help prevent its occurrence," said Murphy.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2024

But even if the thing were permitted, the lights are not there; it is only by combining the parent psychology and the hedonic derivative, that the work can be done.

From Practical Essays by Bain, Alexander