libertine

/ˈlɪbətiːn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈlɪbərtiːn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈli-bər-ˌtēn/ (ame, mw) · /ˈlɪb.ə.tiːn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈlɪb.ɚ.tiːn/ (ame, ipa)

libertine — noun

  • libertinesingular
  • libertinesplural

1. someone, often a man, who keeps chasing sexual pleasure and ignores accepted mor

1.名詞C2
釋義

someone, often a man, who keeps chasing sexual pleasure and ignores accepted moral limits.

例句

Romi warned her brother not to become another rich libertine in the city.

pattern: become a libertine

The newspaper painted Mauricio as a bored libertine chasing dancers after midnight.

pattern: describe someone as a libertine

同義詞
  • rake

    A literary or old-fashioned word for a man known for immoral pleasure-seeking.

  • playboy

    Often sounds lighter and more modern, with an emphasis on money and glamour.

  • debauchee

    Stronger and more old-fashioned, often suggesting a life ruined by excess.

反義詞
  • moralist

    Someone who strongly upholds strict moral standards.

  • faithful partner

    Emphasizes loyalty in relationships rather than sexual excess.

文法句型

be a libertine

become a libertine

describe someone as a libertine

用法筆記

Usually used with strong moral criticism, especially when the person's sexual behavior is seen as shameless. Distinguish from sense 3, which can describe a wider lack of moral restraint beyond sex.

常見錯誤

❌He's a libertine because he likes travelling alone.
✅He's independent because he likes travelling alone.
💡libertine suggests morally loose, often sexual behavior, not simple freedom.

2. someone who refuses to let church teaching decide what to believe.

2.名詞C2
釋義

someone who refuses to let church teaching decide what to believe.

例句

Christopher shocked the village priest by calling himself a libertine in religion.

historical pattern: libertine in religion

In class, Tamar defended the poet as a libertine who doubted church rules.

同義詞
  • freethinker

    The closest modern word, especially for independent views about religion.

  • skeptic

    Broader and less historical; it can apply outside religion.

  • dissenter

    Stresses disagreement with accepted belief rather than personal freedom of thought.

反義詞

文法句型

a libertine in religion

call someone a libertine

accuse someone of being a libertine

用法筆記

This sense is mostly found in older religious or intellectual discussion. It does not mean a sexually immoral person unless the context also points toward sense 1.

常見錯誤

❌Every scientist is a libertine.
✅Every scientist is an independent thinker.
💡this sense is historical and usually tied to religious belief, not science in general.

3. a person who lives without much control from ordinary moral rules.

3.名詞C2
釋義

a person who lives without much control from ordinary moral rules.

例句

The memoir portrays the count as a libertine who wasted money and friendships.

pattern: portray someone as a libertine

Adisa called her former boss a libertine with no respect for promises.

同義詞
  • dissolute person

    A formal phrase for someone whose life is morally loose in a broad way.

  • hedonist

    Focuses on seeking pleasure; libertine adds stronger moral disapproval.

  • debauchee

    Often suggests a life damaged by drink, sex, or other excesses.

反義詞
  • ascetic

    Someone who deliberately avoids pleasure and comfort.

  • moralist

    Someone who judges behavior by strict moral rules.

文法句型

be a libertine

portray someone as a libertine

treat someone as a libertine

用法筆記

Broader than sense 1: it can include selfish, dishonest, or pleasure-driven behavior that is not specifically sexual. In many contexts, though, readers may still hear an echo of sexual misconduct.

常見錯誤

❌The libertine refused to follow the recipe.
✅The rebel refused to follow the recipe.
💡libertine suggests moral or lifestyle excess, not ordinary unwillingness to obey.

libertine — adjective