indulgent

[ in-duhl-juhnt ]

adjective

1. characterized by or showing indulgence; benignly lenient or permissive:

   an indulgent parent.

   Synonyms: tolerant, easygoing

indulgent

/ ɪnˈdʌldʒənt /

adjective

1. showing or characterized by indulgence

Derived Forms

• inˈdulgently, adverb

Other Words From

• in·dulgent·ly adverb
• nonin·dulgent adjective
• nonin·dulgent·ly adverb
• prein·dulgent adjective
• super·in·dulgent adjective
• super·in·dulgent·ly adverb
• unin·dulgent adjective
• unin·dulgent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of indulgent¹

First recorded in 1500–10; from Latin indulgent-, stem of indulgēns “taking pleasure in,” present participle of indulgēre; indulge

Example Sentences

“I found it really evocative and very emotional without being indulgent,” Ronan says of Liptrot’s unflinching book, highly regarded by those in recovery.

From Los Angeles Times

You know, people ask me — I don’t want to be indulgent here, but I do want to say this — because I often play real characters and some of them suffer.

From Los Angeles Times

Barabak: The Democrats’ indulgent and sloppy scheduling pushed other speakers way past TV’s prime time when, crucially, the most people are watching.

From Los Angeles Times

Bone-tired caregivers often field unrealistic suggestions to do something indulgent for themselves: Book a spa treatment, take a yoga class or a weekend trip.

From Seattle Times

But conditions quickly deteriorate, and the indulgent escape turns into a “Lord of the Flies”-style story of survival.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• considerate
• fond
• kindly
• permissive
• tolerant