Word: hedonist (noun)

Associations

A hedonist is a person who believes that the most important thing in life is to enjoy pleasure and avoid pain. The word is often used to describe someone who seeks happiness mainly through physical pleasures like good food, fun, or comfort.

• Example 1: "He is a hedonist who loves traveling to tropical islands and relaxing on the beach." This means he enjoys pleasure and comfort.
• Example 2: "Some people think being a hedonist means you only care about fun and not responsibilities." This shows a common idea about hedonists.
• Example 3: "Philosophers sometimes debate whether being a hedonist is a good way to live." This example shows how the word is used in serious discussions.

Synonym: pleasure-seeker. The difference is that "hedonist" often has a broader, more philosophical meaning about life’s purpose, while "pleasure-seeker" focuses more on the action of looking for fun or enjoyment.

Substitution

You can replace "hedonist" with:

• pleasure-seeker (focuses on seeking fun)
• epicure (someone who enjoys fine food and drink, more specific)
• bon vivant (someone who enjoys a luxurious lifestyle, often social) Each substitution changes the meaning slightly, so choose based on what kind of pleasure or lifestyle you mean.

Deconstruction

The word "hedonist" comes from the Greek word "hēdonē," which means "pleasure." The suffix "-ist" means a person who practices or believes in something. So, a hedonist is literally "a person who practices pleasure."

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you acted like a hedonist? What did you enjoy most?
• Do you think being a hedonist is always good, or can it have problems?
• How would you describe a hedonist in your own words?