The ways in which individuals or groups live, including their behaviors, attitudes, tastes, and material circumstances. It encompasses daily habits, consumer choices, and social practices that reflect personal values.
Coined by Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler in 1929 as 'Lebensstil' (German for life-style), combining 'life' and 'style'. The English term gained popularity in the 1960s as consumer culture expanded and personal identity became increasingly tied to consumption patterns and leisure choices.
The concept of 'lifestyle' didn't exist until the 20th century because most people throughout history had little choice in how they lived - their circumstances were largely determined by birth, class, and survival needs. Today's lifestyle magazines and lifestyle brands would have been incomprehensible to previous generations who saw life as something that happened to you, not something you designed.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.