epicurean
UK: ˌepɪˈkjʊəriən | US: ˌepɪˈkjʊriən
adj. devoted to sensual pleasure, especially fine food and drink
n. a person who cultivates refined tastes in food, wine, or the arts
epicurean = epicure<follower of Epicurus> + an<adjective suffix>
- epicure: Derived from Epicurus<ancient Greek philosopher>, who advocated pleasure as the highest good but emphasized moderation. Over time, the term shifted to connote indulgence in luxury.
- an: A suffix forming adjectives (e.g., urban, human), indicating association or belonging.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Epicurus (341–270 BCE), whose philosophy equated happiness with simple, rational pleasures. By the 16th century, "Epicurean" was misinterpreted to mean excessive luxury—a shift reflecting cultural conflations of his teachings with hedonism. The suffix -an standardizes the term as an adjective or noun.
The epicurean banquet featured rare truffles and vintage wines.
She adopted an epicurean lifestyle, savoring every culinary delight.
Critics dismissed him as a mere epicurean, ignoring his intellectual depth.
The hotel caters to epicurean travelers with its gourmet dining options.
His epicurean tastes made him a sought-after restaurant critic.