adjective
B2
Upper-Intermediate
indulgent
ihn-DUHLD-zhuhnt
Indulgent (adjective) means willing to allow, satisfy, or go along with someone's wishes, often too readily. Example: “Her indulgent parents let her stay up as late as she wanted.”
adjective
1
Willing to allow, satisfy, or go along with someone's wishes, often too readily.
"Her indulgent parents let her stay up as late as she wanted."
"He gave himself an indulgent afternoon off work."
How to use indulgent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishToo willing to let someone (or yourself) have or do whatever is wanted.
Common pairings
self-indulgent
indulgent parent
indulgent treat
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more indulgent
- Superlative
- most indulgent
Fill the gap
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Her _____ parents let her stay up as late as she wanted.
Etymology
From Latin indulgens, present participle of indulgere ("to be lenient").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
nonindulgent
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “indulgent” mean?
The word “indulgent” means willing to allow, satisfy, or go along with someone's wishes, often too readily. In plain terms, too willing to let someone (or yourself) have or do whatever is wanted.
How do you pronounce “indulgent”?
“Indulgent” is pronounced ihn-DUHLD-zhuhnt (/ɪnˈdʌld͡ʒənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “indulgent” in a sentence?
Here is “indulgent” used in a sentence: “Her indulgent parents let her stay up as late as she wanted.”
What part of speech is “indulgent”?
“Indulgent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “indulgent” come from?
The word “indulgent” comes from Latin. From Latin indulgens, present participle of indulgere ("to be lenient").
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