Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

epicureanism

/ˌɛpɪˈkju(ə)ɹiənɪzəm/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.65 in modern English

Syllables
epi-cure-anism
IPA
/ˌɛpɪˈkju(ə)ɹiənɪzəm/
18
Scrabble Score
12
Letters
3
Syllables
10
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The philosophical belief that pleasure is the highest good, particularly as advocated by Epicurus with a focus on mental pleasures and on avoidance of pain (ataraxia) through moderation and common virtue.

Uncountable

noun

Synonym of atheism.

Obsolete; Uncountable

noun

Alternative letter-case form of Epicureanism (general pursuit of pleasure).

Uncountable

Etymology

From Epicurean + -ism. As a pejorative synonym of atheism, both from the philosophy's rejection of deontological morality and from Epicurus's specific belief that the Greek gods—if they did exist—did not concern themselves at all with mankind, its actions, or any system of reward or punishment for them. Doublet of epicurism.

Word Breakdown

Usage

Inflected Forms

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

hedonism general pursuit of pleasure particularly refined and knowledgeable enjoyment of good food drink and similar sensual pleasures atheism epicurism

Questions

How do you pronounce epicureanism?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˌɛpɪˈkju(ə)ɹiənɪzəm/.
What does epicureanism mean?
The philosophical belief that pleasure is the highest good, particularly as advocated by Epicurus with a focus on mental pleasures and on avoidance of pain (ataraxia) through moderation and common virtue.
Where does epicureanism come from?
From Epicurean + -ism. As a pejorative synonym of atheism, both from the philosophy's rejection of deontological morality and from Epicurus's specific belief that the Greek gods—if they did exist—did not concern themselves at all with mankind, its actions, or any system of reward or punishment for them. Doublet of epicurism.

How to pronounce epicureanism

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “epicureanism”.
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