Cyrenaic
/ˌsaɪ.rɪˈneɪ.ɪk/noun
Relating to Cyrene or to the ancient Cyrenaic school of Greek philosophy.
Did you know?The Cyrenaics, founded by Aristippus of Cyrene, treated pleasure as the good most directly known through sensation, while regarding lasting happiness as less certain.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Kyrene (Κυρήνη)
“The name of the ancient Greek city in Libya; its ultimate origin is uncertain.”
4th Century BCE
Greek
Kyrenaïkós (Κυρηναϊκός)
“Of or belonging to Cyrene.”
4th Century BCE
Greek
hē Kyrenaïkē hairesis
“The Cyrenaic philosophical school, associated with Aristippus and the pursuit of immediate pleasure.”
Late Classical–Hellenistic Period
Greek
Kyrenaïkoí
“The Cyrenaics, followers of the philosophical tradition founded at Cyrene.”
17th–18th Century
English
Cyrenaic
“An English adjective referring to Cyrene or its philosophical school.”
Modern English
English
Cyrenaic
“Relating to Cyrene, the Cyrenaic school, or its emphasis on immediate sensual pleasure.”
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