Libertine
Noun
Definition: A person, usually a man, who leads an immoral or promiscuous lifestyle, especially one who is sexually unrestrained.
Definition: A person who rejects accepted opinions and beliefs, especially in the areas of religion or morality.
Synonyms: Debauchee, Profligate, Rake, Womanizer
Antonyms: Prude, Puritan
- He was known as a notorious libertine, always surrounded by scandalous behavior.
- The libertine philosopher challenged conventional religious beliefs with his radical ideas.
- Think of the word "liberty" related to freedom, and a libertine is someone who takes freedom to an extreme, especially in their personal choices and behavior.
- Think of the character Casanova, a famous libertine known for his romantic conquests and immoral lifestyle.
Etymology:
The word "libertine" originated in the late 16th century from the French word "libertin", meaning "freethinker" or "freedman". It comes from the Latin word "libertinus", which means "freedman" or "old slave set free". Originally, it referred to a person freed from slavery and later evolved to mean someone who rejects societal norms and moral constraints.
Historical Usage:The term gained popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries, especially during the Enlightenment period when individuals questioned traditional beliefs and embraced personal freedoms.
Related Idioms:
"The life of a libertine"
Explanation:This phrase refers to a lifestyle characterized by indulgence in pleasure, often with a disregard for societal expectations or moral standards.
Misconceptions:
Libertine only refers to someone with loose sexual morals.
Explanation:While libertine is often associated with immoral or promiscuous behavior, it can also refer to individuals who reject societal beliefs in general, including religious and moral conventions.