Words / C2

LIB-uh-teen/ˈlɪbətiːn/

A libertine is a person, usually a man, who disregards moral restraint, especially in sexual conduct (disapproving): a notorious libertine, play the libertine. Immoral (already in the dictionary) is everyday-close moral wrong; wanton (already in the dictionary) is reckless and unprovoked, often of cruelty, and decadence (already in the dictionary) is luxurious moral decline. This batch: licentious is the adjective of sexual unrestraint. A reputation is not a spare key.

Meaning

A person, usually a man, who disregards moral restraint, especially in sexual conduct (disapproving).

Examples

• “A libertine reputation is not a spare night-clinic key.”
• “Immoral is morally wrong (already in C1). Wanton is needless and reckless (already in C2). Decadence is luxurious moral decline (already in C2). Licentious is sexually unrestrained (this batch) — the adjective. A dated rota can still be exact. Atmosphere instead of a named post is a hole. Write the key-holder; leave the gossip.”

Good to know

A morally unrestrained person (disapproving). Everyday-close: immoral (already in C1). Close: wanton / decadence (already in C2). This batch: licentious (the adjective). Gossip ≠ a key.

Near in meaning

rake, profligate, debauchee, roué

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