summum bonum

American  

[soom-oom boh-noom, suhm-uhm boh-nuhm] / ˈsʊm ʊm ˈboʊ nʊm, ˈsʌm əm ˈboʊ nəm /

noun

Latin.

1. the highest or chief good.

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summum bonum British  

/ ˈsʊmʊm ˈbɒnʊm /

noun

1. the principle of goodness in which all moral values are included or from which they are derived; highest or supreme good

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Example Sentences

The modern student of monasticism, bred in an age which regards freedom as its summum bonum and holds discipline at a discount, cannot but feel sympathy with the nuns.

From Project Gutenberg

The latter statement admits an ideal, summum bonum—namely, pleasure.

From Project Gutenberg

This, and perhaps a battle-field and a dashing charge every now and then, would probably have realized his dreams of the summum bonum.

From Project Gutenberg

I remember more than one passage which seemed to show that you considered Nirvana to be annihilation; and the aim and summum bonum of the Buddhist to escape existence finally and utterly.

From Project Gutenberg

This fulness of life has been the summum bonum, the highest good, which mankind has sighed for in every age and clime.

From Project Gutenberg