sybarite
/'sibərait/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who is excessively devoted to luxury, comfort, and sensual pleasure. A sybarite prioritizes and indulges in refined, often expensive, sensory experiences and material comforts.
Usage
The word "sybarite" is used to describe a person whose lifestyle or attitude is characterized by a pursuit of and devotion to luxurious living and physical pleasures. It often carries a slightly critical or judgmental tone, implying self-indulgence or decadence, though it can also be used admiringly to denote sophisticated taste.
Examples
- He lived the life of a sybarite, spending his fortune on gourmet meals, fine wines, and silk sheets.
- The magazine article profiled a modern sybarite whose apartment was filled with designer furniture and rare art.
- She was no ascetic; she embraced her inner sybarite with regular visits to the spa.
Advanced Usage
- Sybaritic (adjective): The related adjective describes the luxurious and pleasure-seeking qualities themselves, rather than the person.
- They enjoyed a sybaritic weekend at the five-star resort, complete with massages and champagne.
- Sybaritism (noun): The practice or lifestyle of being a sybarite; the pursuit of luxury.
- His philosophy of sybaritism left little room for saving money.
Variants and Related Words
- Sybaritic (adj.): Of or relating to luxury or sensual pleasure.
- Sybaritism (n.): The principles, practices, or style of a sybarite; devotion to luxury.
Synonyms
- Hedonist
- Voluptuary
- Sensualist
- Bon vivant
- Epicure (Note: An epicure emphasizes refined enjoyment of food and drink, while a sybarite's indulgence is broader, encompassing all luxuries.)
Antonyms
- Ascetic
- Spartan
- Austere person
- Puritan
Idioms and Phrases
- To live like a sybarite: To live in a very luxurious and pleasure-focused manner.
- After winning the lottery, he began to live like a sybarite.
Noun
- a person addicted to luxury and pleasures of the senses