epicurean

Where does the word "epicurean" come from? It comes from Greek Epikouros, and was adopted directly into English (1570s).

Epicurean’s story begins in Greek: Epikouros meant “a philosopher's name.” A Greek philosopher who taught that pleasure, especially simple pleasure, was the highest good. It reached English by 1570s as epicurean. Broadened to describe anyone devoted to sensual, especially culinary, pleasure. Today, epicurean means devoted to the pursuit of pleasure, especially fine food and drink.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient Epikouros "a philosopher's name", a Greek philosopher who taught that pleasure, especially simple pleasure, was the highest good.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1570s epicurean "devoted to sensual pleasure, especially food and drink", broadened to describe anyone devoted to sensual, especially culinary, pleasure.