What does hedonist mean?
A hedonist is a person who regards pleasure as a central value, often holding that pleasure is the highest good in life. The word has a strong philosophical association with the ethical doctrine of hedonism, which evaluates actions largely by the pleasure they produce, but it is also used more loosely for someone who pursues enjoyment, indulgence, or sensual pleasure. In everyday criticism, “hedonist” may suggest someone excessively concerned with comfort, pleasure, or self-indulgence, and that negative nuance is stronger than the neutral philosophical sense. The term can apply to characters in literature, people associated with a pleasure-centered lifestyle, and thinkers who defend pleasure as the ultimate value. It is useful because it distinguishes a general love of pleasure from the more specific ethical or personal behavior of someone who organizes life around it. The word is understood in both British and American English and is usually more literary or formal than the everyday phrase “pleasure-seeker.”
nounA person who believes that pleasure is the highest good or the main aim of life. More broadly, someone who pursues pleasure, especially sensual enjoyment.
- A person who believes that pleasure is the highest good or the principal aim of life.
- A person who strongly pursues pleasure, especially sensual enjoyment.
"The novel portrays its ambitious protagonist as a restless hedonist, chasing pleasure from one experience to the next."
"The philosopher argued that a committed hedonist need not lead a shallow or irresponsible life."
"Critics dismissed him as a pleasure-loving hedonist, while his friends praised his warmth and generosity."
The standard plural is “hedonists,” used for multiple people who share this outlook or behavior.
"The novel contrasts the disciplined ascetics with a group of restless hedonists."
Hedonism puts pleasure at the center of life, but its ancient Greek roots simply point to the source: pleasure itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How hedonist is actually used
The word is formal and philosophical, though it is also used more generally, sometimes critically, for someone seen as excessively devoted to pleasure. In philosophy, it can refer to a follower of hedonism rather than merely a casual pleasure-seeker.
Easily confused with hedonist
A hedonist is a person who pursues or values pleasure, whereas hedonic is an adjective describing pleasure, sensual enjoyment, or an emphasis on pleasure.