Philosophy & ThoughtGreek → English
Epicurean
/ˌɛpɪkjʊˈriːən/adjective
Devoted to sensual pleasure, especially good food; or belonging to the philosophy of Epicurus.
The Greek roots
Ἐπίκουρος
Epíkouros
Epicurus, the philosopher
Literally: “of Epicurus”
Follow a root:Ἐπίκουρος2 words
The story of the word
Epicurus taught in a garden outside Athens and admitted women and slaves, which scandalised the city more than his physics did. His goal was ἀταραξία, freedom from disturbance, reached by wanting little; the greatest pleasure, he argued, was the state of having no pain to remove. English carries both meanings side by side, so an epicurean philosopher and an epicurean dinner are almost opposites.
- How it travelled
- Ancient Greek → Latin → English
- First recorded
- 14th century
Same family
epicureepicurism
In a sentence
The Epicurean argument against fearing death is short, and most people find it unconvincing anyway.