Voluptuary: meaning, definitions and examples

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voluptuary

 

[ vəˈlʌptjʊəri ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

person who indulges in luxury and pleasure

A voluptuary is someone who loves luxury and pleasure, and often seeks out indulgence in sensual pleasures such as food, drink, and sex. Voluptuaries are known for their hedonistic lifestyles and their pursuit of physical gratification above all else.

Synonyms

pleasure-seeker, sensualist, sybarite.

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Word Description / Examples
voluptuary

Used to describe someone who seeks luxury and pleasure, often prioritizing it above all else. This term can carry both neutral and slightly negative connotations, suggesting indulgence.

  • He lived as a voluptuary, spending every evening at lavish parties and feasts.
  • The mansion was a haven for voluptuaries, complete with a private cinema and spa.
pleasure-seeker

This term is straightforward and neutral, describing someone who actively pursues activities and experiences that bring them enjoyment and satisfaction.

  • She was a pleasure-seeker, always on the lookout for new and exciting adventures.
  • The island is a paradise for pleasure-seekers, with its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
sensualist

Often used in a more artistic or philosophical context, this term refers to someone who places high importance on physical sensations and experiences, particularly those that are pleasing to the senses.

  • As a sensualist, he appreciated fine dining, luxurious fabrics, and aromatic perfumes.
  • The novel portrayed him as a sensualist, exploring the world through taste, touch, and sound.
sybarite

This term has a slightly antiquated feel, describing someone who devotes themselves to pleasure and luxury, often with an implication of self-indulgence. It can carry a somewhat negative connotation.

  • The resort attracted sybarites from around the world, all eager to experience its opulence.
  • His sybaritic lifestyle eventually led to financial ruin.

Examples of usage

  • He lived like a true voluptuary, surrounded by expensive possessions and indulging in lavish feasts.
  • Her reputation as a voluptuary preceded her, with stories of extravagant parties and wild escapades.
  • The wealthy businessman was known in social circles as a notorious voluptuary, always seeking the finest things in life.

Translations

Translations of the word "voluptuary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 voluptuoso

🇮🇳 सुखवादी

🇩🇪 Genussmensch

🇮🇩 hedonis

🇺🇦 гедоніст

🇵🇱 hedonista

🇯🇵 快楽主義者 (かいらくしゅぎしゃ)

🇫🇷 voluptueux

🇪🇸 voluptuoso

🇹🇷 zevk düşkünü

🇰🇷 향락주의자

🇸🇦 مستمتع بالحياة

🇨🇿 požitkář

🇸🇰 požitkár

🇨🇳 享乐主义者

🇸🇮 uživač

🇮🇸 unaðssemdarmaður

🇰🇿 ләззатқұмар

🇬🇪 ჰედონისტი

🇦🇿 hədonist

🇲🇽 voluptuoso

Etymology

The word 'voluptuary' has its origins in the Latin word 'voluptarius', which means devoted to pleasure. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe individuals who prioritize luxury and pleasure above all else. Voluptuaries have been both admired and criticized throughout history, with some seeing them as symbols of decadence and excess, while others view them as free spirits unencumbered by societal norms.

See also: voluptuous.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,879, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.