libertine

/ˈlɪb.ə.tiːn/

Group 20Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(noun)
A person, especially a man, who behaves without moral principles; a freethinker
GRE

Example in Context

Historical accounts portrayed the duke as a libertine whose personal excesses eventually undermined his political authority.

Synonyms

wild onehedonistpleasure-seeker

Etymology

From Latin meaning 'free', it refers to someone who lives without moral constraints.

  • liber (Latin) — free

Memory Aid

🕺Sounds like “liber teen

A LIBERAL TEEN dancing at a wild party, with no care for rules or morals!

Visual Association

🍷A man clinking glasses at a debaucherous celebration, living life to the fullest without a care.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “libertine” mean on the GRE?

libertine (noun) means “A person, especially a man, who behaves without moral principles; a freethinker”. Historical accounts portrayed the duke as a libertine whose personal excesses eventually undermined his political authority.

How to remember “libertine” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “libertine” sounds like “liber teen”. A LIBERAL TEEN dancing at a wild party, with no care for rules or morals!

What are synonyms for “libertine”?

Common synonyms: wild one, hedonist, pleasure-seeker.