Etymologically
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lifestyle

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 12:39. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˈlaɪfˌstaɪl/[1]

Etymology

It is from English life + style, also written life-style.[2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

1929, as a term of the Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler for a person's basic character as set in early childhood;[2] MWU's first known use is 1939.[4]

Semantic evolution

The broader sense, a way or style of living, is by 1961,[2] and an adjective use, suggesting a fashionable way of life (a lifestyle magazine), is from 1976 in MWU.[4][5] The AHD notes that when the word became widespread, critics objected to it as voguish and superficial, because it seemed to make consumption and recreation the basis of social identity, but that it fills a real need.[3]

Timeline

  • 1929 – Adler's term for a person's basic character.[2]
  • 1961 – a way of living.[2]
  • 1976 – the adjective use.[4]

Modern meaning

Noun

  1. A way of life that reflects the attitudes, habits and values of a person or group.
  2. Such a way of life seen as fashionable or desirable.

Adjective

  1. Suggesting or marketed for a fashionable way of life; of a drug, treating a problem that affects quality of life rather than health.

Usage notes

The AHD records early objections that lifestyle was a superficial vogue word.[3]

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (1992), 3rd ed., Boston: Houghton Mifflin
  4. ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  5. ^ Collins English Dictionary (2023), Glasgow: HarperCollins