What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Gourmet vs Epicurean - What's the difference?

gourmet | epicurean |

As adjectives the difference between gourmet and epicurean

is that gourmet is fine while epicurean is pursuing pleasure, especially in reference to food or comfort.

As nouns the difference between gourmet and epicurean

is that gourmet is a connoisseur in eating and drinking, someone who takes their food considerably more seriously than most while epicurean is one who is devoted to pleasure.

gourmet

English

(wikipedia gourmet)

Adjective

(-)
  • (of food) fine
    • Gourmet coffee is just like regular coffee, only better.
    We need to go to the gourmet grocery store to get the exotic ingredients for this recipe.

    Usage notes

    Gourmet has become somewhat debased by marketing usage, and is considered by some a pretentious middlebrow term. Such users tend to prefer terms such as (artisanal) (emphasizing the craft) for fine food.

    Coordinate terms

    * (l)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A connoisseur in eating and drinking, someone who takes their food considerably more seriously than most.

    • Usage notes

    Gourmet emphasizes interest in quality of food and enjoyment of eating, sometimes to an obsessive degree: someone who “lives to eat rather than eating to live”. By contrast, a gourmand is someone more interested in quantity of food than quality.

    Synonyms

    * foodie

    See also

    * gourmand * haute cuisine ----

    epicurean

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • pursuing pleasure, especially in reference to food or comfort
  • * 1847 , George Frederick Augustus Ruxton, Adventures in Mexico and the Rocky Mountains (page 267)
    • The powers of the Canadian voyageurs and hunters in the consumption of meat strike the greenhorn with wonder and astonishment; and are only equalled by the gastronomical capabilities exhibited by Indian dogs, both following the same plan in their epicurean gorgings.
  • devoted to luxurious living

    • Synonyms

    * * *

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • one who is devoted to pleasure

    • Synonyms

    * * * See also

    Usage notes

    Modern accepted use of the terms epicurean and Epicureanism refers often to the appreciation of, and indulgement in, good food (gourmet), luxury, hedonism, and sensual pleasure. This strays significantly from the original philosophic intent of Epicureanism. The philosophy indeed elevated pleasure and happiness as the most worthy pursuit, but specifically warned against fine food and frequent sex, for it could lead to dissatisfaction later. Instead, the goal was a long-term pleasure, marked by serenity and temperance, achieved through moderation rather than indulging. Modern senses of gourmet, luxury, hedonism, sensual pleasure and lust are mostly in contrast with the original ancient teachings.