seek pleasure

USAGE SUMMARY

"seek pleasure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a desire or intention to pursue activities that bring joy or satisfaction. For example, "I always try to seek pleasure in the little things in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Hedonists seek pleasure.

The New Yorker

They explore more; they learn faster; they seek pleasure.

The New York Times - Magazine

5. Humans naturally seek pleasure and avoid pain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We do better to live by the simple Epicurean law: Seek pleasure, avoid pain.

The New York Times

We are genetically hard-wired to seek pleasure, because that's what helped our species survive back in the day.

The Washington Post

Finlay refers to Thomas's environments as "adult playgrounds," since they provide an atmosphere in which people are primed to seek pleasure.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

They visit with family and friends, seek pleasures, face responsibilities, experience joys and sorrows.

The New Yorker

When the chimera utters the phrase, "New perfumes I seek, stranger flowers I seek, pleasures not yet discovered," des Esseintes breaks into sobs and holds onto his ventriloquist like an inconsolable child.

The New Yorker

Your limbic system is involved with emotions and influences the prefrontal cortex to "decide" to seek pleasure-inducing (fun) and motivational activities.

HuffPost

For many, that means seeking pleasure in long, slow cooking.

The New York Times - Food

Better than Million pounds of human flesh seeking pleasure on beaches will pass thru.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about ethical considerations, clarify whether "seek pleasure" is intended as harmless enjoyment or excessive indulgence.

Common error

Avoid using "seek pleasure" when describing actions that primarily aim for survival or necessity; reserve it for situations where enjoyment is the main driver.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek pleasure" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI indicates it describes the action of pursuing enjoyable experiences or gratification. It typically involves actively trying to find activities or situations that bring joy or satisfaction, as demonstrated in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek pleasure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the act of pursuing enjoyment and gratification. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears across diverse contexts, from academic discussions of human behavior to news reports on lifestyle and entertainment. Understanding the nuances of this phrase can enhance your writing and ensure clarity in expressing intentions related to enjoyment and satisfaction. It's most common in News & Media, Science and Academia sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indulge in pleasure

Focuses on allowing oneself to enjoy pleasurable experiences freely.

pursue enjoyment

Focuses on actively chasing after enjoyment, suggesting a more directed effort.

yearn for enjoyment

Emphasizes a strong desire and longing for pleasurable experiences.

desire gratification

Emphasizes the yearning for fulfillment and satisfaction of desires.

crave happiness

Highlights an intense desire for a state of joy and well-being.

gravitate toward enjoyment

Implies a natural tendency to be drawn to pleasurable experiences.

optimize for happiness

Implies a strategic approach to maximizing pleasurable experiences.

find delight

Highlights the discovery of joy and happiness in various activities.

chase thrills

Suggests a pursuit of exciting and stimulating experiences.

hunt for amusement

Implies a deliberate search for entertaining and enjoyable activities.

FAQs

How can I use "seek pleasure" in a sentence?

You can use "seek pleasure" to describe the act of pursuing enjoyable experiences. For example, "Many people "seek pleasure" through hobbies and recreational activities."

What are some synonyms for "seek pleasure"?

Alternatives to "seek pleasure" include "pursue enjoyment", "desire gratification", or "find delight", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "seeking pleasure"?

Yes, "seeking pleasure" is grammatically correct. It is the present participle form of ""seek pleasure"" and can be used in continuous tenses or as a gerund.

What is the difference between ""seek pleasure"" and "find happiness"?

"Seek pleasure" refers to the pursuit of enjoyable experiences, while "find happiness" implies discovering a state of overall well-being. You might "seek pleasure" in small things but not necessarily find overall happiness.