eudaimonia
|eu-dai-mo-ni-a|
🇺🇸
/ˌjuːdəɪˈmoʊniə/
🇬🇧
/ˌjuːdəɪˈməʊnɪə/
flourishing through virtue
Etymology
'eudaimonia' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'εὐδαιμονία' (eudaimonía), where the prefix 'eu-' meant 'good' and 'daimon' meant 'spirit' or 'guardian spirit'.
'eudaimonia' was used in Ancient Greek; it was carried into Medieval and Modern Latin as 'eudaimonia' and entered English usage (particularly in philosophical texts and translations) in the 18th–19th centuries, keeping its original form.
Initially, it meant 'having or being favored by a good spirit' (literally 'good spirit-possession'), but over time it evolved into the current philosophical and psychological meaning of 'human flourishing' or 'well-being grounded in virtue'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
in ancient Greek philosophy (especially Aristotle): the highest human good — human flourishing or living well, achieved through virtuous activity and fulfillment of one's nature.
Aristotle considered eudaimonia the ultimate goal of human life, achieved through virtuous action.
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Noun 2
in modern psychology and ethics: eudaimonic well-being — a sense of meaning, purpose, self-realization, and living in accordance with one's values (often contrasted with hedonic pleasure).
Research distinguishes eudaimonia from hedonia by focusing on purpose and personal growth rather than pleasure alone.
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Last updated: 2025/11/14 13:34