sybarites
|sy-ba-rites|
/ˈsɪbəraɪts/
(sybarite)
luxury lover
Etymology
'sybarite' originates from Greek via Latin; specifically from Greek 'Συβαρίτης' (Sybaritēs) meaning 'inhabitant of Sybaris', adopted into Latin as 'Sybarita'.
'sybarite' changed from the Greek word 'Συβαρίτης' to Latin 'Sybarita', later entering English (via Middle French or directly from Latin forms) as 'sybarite' and giving the modern English sense.
Initially, it meant 'an inhabitant of Sybaris'; over time it evolved to mean 'a person devoted to luxury and sensual pleasure.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is devoted to luxury and sensual pleasure; a self-indulgent person.
The city attracted wealthy sybarites who came to enjoy its fine dining and spas.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
historically: an inhabitant of Sybaris (an ancient Greek city famed for luxury).
Ancient writers used the term to describe the sybarites of Sybaris, famed for their luxurious lifestyle.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/11 13:13