What does epicureanism mean?
Epicureanism is a system of philosophy founded by the Greek thinker Epicurus in the fourth century BC. At its core lies the claim that pleasure is the highest good—but Epicurus meant something surprisingly austere by this: not luxury or excess, but tranquility, the absence of physical pain and mental anxiety. He argued that simple food, close friendships, and freedom from fear of death and the gods yield a happier life than wealth or power ever could. In modern, non-philosophical usage, however, epicureanism has drifted toward a very different meaning: a cultivated devotion to fine food, wine, and other sensual delights—an epicure being a connoisseur of good living. This gap between the doctrine and the lifestyle gives the word its particular interest. Whether describing an ancient ethical theory or a taste for indulgence, epicureanism remains a useful term for thinking carefully about what pleasure really means and how best to pursue it.
The philosophical system of Epicurus, which holds that pleasure, properly understood as freedom from pain and disturbance, is the highest good.
"Lucretius's poem De Rerum Natura is the fullest surviving account of classical Epicureanism."
In this sense the word is often capitalized when referring strictly to the historical school of thought.
A devotion to refined sensual pleasure, especially in matters of food and drink; luxurious or discriminating enjoyment of life's comforts.
"The hotel's epicureanism was evident in every detail, from the hand-rolled truffles to the cellar of rare Burgundies."
Rarely pluralized; the plural appears only when contrasting distinct varieties or interpretations of the philosophy.
"Scholars distinguish several epicureanisms across the Hellenistic and Roman worlds."
Despite its reputation for decadence, the real Epicurus lived simply on bread, cheese, and olives—and warned that lavish feasts usually bring more pain than pleasure.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of epicureanism
The word derives from Epicurus, the Greek philosopher (Ἐπίκουρος) who founded his school, known as the Garden, in Athens around 307 BC. English formed 'Epicurean' as an adjective from his name, and 'epicureanism' arose later as the noun for his doctrines, with 'epicure' itself entering English in the sixteenth century before acquiring its culinary connotations. Related forms include the adjective 'epicurean' and the noun 'epicure', all tracing back to the same Greek root.
Related word forms
How epicureanism is actually used
In philosophical contexts the word carries its precise classical sense; in everyday use it often implies refined indulgence in food and drink. Because popular usage distorts the original doctrine—which prized simplicity and moderation—writers discussing Epicurus's actual teachings should be careful to signal the technical sense.
Easily confused with epicureanism
Stoicism teaches virtue and acceptance through indifference to pleasure and pain, whereas Epicureanism identifies tranquil pleasure as life's highest good.
Hedonism broadly pursues pleasure of any kind, while Epicureanism is a specific ancient philosophy that values modest pleasures, friendship, and freedom from pain over indulgence.