epicure - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
epicure Word Meanings
- a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink
- a connoisseur of gourmet food
- someone who enjoys luxury and indulgence
epicure Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
epicure Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɛp.ɪ.kjʊə/
US
/ˈɛp.ɪ.kjʊr/
epicure Word Etymology
Epicure comes from the Greek 'epikouros' meaning 'a friend' or 'helper'. It evolved through Latin to Old French before entering English. Imagine a lavish banquet where the Epicure delights in each dish, savoring every bite.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
An epicure is someone who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink, often with a refined palate and a willingness to pursue luxury and indulgence. The word suggests more than simple liking for good meals; it implies discernment, connoisseurship, and a lifestyle centered on savoring flavors, textures, and presentation. In usage, epicure can refer to a person who seeks out high-quality meals, specialty ingredients, or elegant dining experiences, while avoiding pejorative connotations of decadence that might fit terms like gourmet or gourmand. The term carries literary and historical weight, tracing back to ancient Greek thought about pleasure, and it surfaces in travel writing, restaurant reviews, and conversations about fine dining.
Usage Reminders
- pronounce: EP-i-kyur; remember epicurean as the adj; distinguish epicure from gourmet and gourmand; use in formal or literary contexts; pair with nouns like lifestyle or palate; avoid casual slang.
Common Misconceptions
- It means someone who eats a lot rather than someone who appreciates refined tastes
- It is exactly the same as gourmet or gourmand
- It is always about wealth and luxury
- It is a modern slang term, not a literary one
- It refers to Epicurus the ancient philosopher, not to food
Thinking Differences
Epicure carries a cultivated, somewhat antiquated sense of refined pleasure in food; English speakers often separate refined taste (epicure) from general gourmet use, preferring connotation and literary tone. Learners may confuse epicure with gourmand or gourmet and miss the nuance of lifestyle and discernment.
Learning Tips
- Practice the pronunciation: EP-i-kyour
- Note the noun vs adjective pair: epicure vs epicurean
- Compare with gourmet and gourmand to grasp nuances
- Use in formal contexts or literary sentences
- Collocate with palate, lifestyle, and dining
- Read travel or critique passages to see usage
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'epicure'?
A.A famous artist
B.One who enjoys fine food and drinks
C.A professional athlete
D.A type of large mammal
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is the word 'epicure' used correctly?
A.She was an epicure and loved to cook gourmet meals for her family.
B.The epicure decided to go for a hike in the mountains.
C.He spent the weekend watching movies with his friends, quite the epicure he was.
D.The epicure bought a new bicycle to explore the city.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a synonym for 'epicure'?
A.Athlete
B.Gourmand
C.Artist
D.Scientist
Step 4: Opposite Words
What would be the opposite of an epicure?
A.Explorer
B.Musician
C.Ascetic
D.Astronomer
Step 5: Mastery
How would being an epicure impact someone's dining experience?
A.They would seek out the finest restaurants and exotic cuisine.
B.They would only eat fast food and snacks.
C.They would avoid trying new foods and stick to familiar meals.
D.They would prefer quantity over quality when it comes to food.
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