epicure
/ˈɛpɪkjʊər/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
Ἐπίκουρος — Epicurus (Greek philosopher)
Overview
Meaning Now
- A person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink.
- A person with refined taste or discriminating palate.
Literal older meaning
follower of Epicurus
Language path
Ancient Greek → Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
epicure
Earliest period
16th century
Journey
The term derives from the philosophy of Epicurus, who advocated for 'ataraxia' (tranquility) and the absence of pain. Historically, his philosophy was often misunderstood by critics as pure hedonism or gluttony, which led the word 'epicure' to be used in Middle English to describe someone obsessed with excessive sensual indulgence rather than philosophical refinement.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
Ἐπίκουρος
“Proper name of the philosopher Epicurus”
- Latin
Epicurus
“Proper name; used to refer to followers of his school”
- Old French
epicure
“Follower of Epicureanism; often used pejoratively as a glutton”
- Middle English
epicure
“One devoted to sensual or luxurious pleasure”
- Modern English
epicure
“Person with refined or discriminating taste”
Shifted from connotations of excess to connotations of discernment
Connections
Word parts
Epicur-
root
related to the philosopher Epicurus
-e
suffix
nominalizer indicating a person
Related across languages
French
épicurien
Epicurean
Italian
epicureo
Epicurean
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Related to epicure
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.