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

The 60-minute service includes a detailed scalp analysis — shedding light not just on the health of your noggin but also your overall health, according to practitioners — followed by a slow, indulgent head and neck massage and repeated hair washings.

From Los Angeles Times

The publication of this list, slanted toward indulgent comfort food like the so-called Big Lasagna, was a valuable service, although it was a bit of a disappointment that none of the recipes were election-themed, and that there were only 82 of them.

From Slate

When Kaphar, aided by cinematographer Lachlan Milne’s delicate blend of warmth and cool, adds an imaginative touch, as when Tarell has visions of his boyhood self as a sorrowful presence alongside his paintings, the moment clicks with soulful recognition instead of feeling analytically indulgent.

From Los Angeles Times

The people of r/Superstonk are dogmatic, unforgiving of alternative views, indulgent of auguries and omens, simultaneously convinced of their righteousness yet constantly fretting about their opponents’ vast and mysterious powers to undermine them.

From Slate

“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

Related Words

• considerate
• fond
• kindly
• permissive
• tolerant