Question

Out of the given alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence.
A person who believes that pleasure is the chief good.
(a)stoic
(b)hedonist
(c)epicure
(d)sensual

Answer 1

Hint: The given description can be summarised by another synonym ‘sybarite’. This synonym should help you find the word that is the replacement for the given phrase.

Complete answer: In grammar, a substitute is used as a noun to refer to a
word that serves as a particular kind of replacement. When one word replaces an entire
phrase and still retains the original meaning, it is called a ‘substitute noun’. For example, the phrase ‘the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way’ can be substituted by the word ‘serendipity’.
The only way to identify them correctly is to memorise them or use etymology to guess
them as accurately as possible.

The given phrase is describing a philosophical school of thought which subscribes to the idea that the highest good in life is getting pleasure and it is what one should strive towards. So, the purpose of life is deriving pleasure.

Now, we know the meaning of the given phrase. Let’s look at the given options:
(a)stoic - The word ‘stoic’ refers to a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining'. This word does not have the exact same meaning as the given phrase. It does not mean the same thing. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(b)hedonist - The word ‘hedonist’ refers to a person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life; a pleasure-seeker'. This word has the exact same meaning as the given phrase. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.
(c)epicure - The word ‘epicure’ refers to a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drinks'. This word does not have the exact same meaning as the given phrase. It does not mean the same thing. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(d)sensual - The word ‘sensual’ refers to ‘relating to or involving gratification of the senses and physical'. This word does not have the exact same meaning as the given phrase. It does not mean the same thing. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note: Look through the given options and understand the meanings. Use them in a
sentence in order to completely understand their meaning. Make sure to differentiate
between ‘epicure’ and ‘hedonist’. Then, choose the correct option accordingly.