What does indulgent mean?
Indulgent describes someone who is excessively lenient, such as a parent who cannot refuse a child's requests, or behavior marked by giving in to pleasure, luxury, and personal desires. It can also refer to a lavish treatment, meal, or occasion that provides unusual comfort and indulgence. The adjective is common in both British and American English and often has a critical connotation: calling someone indulgent suggests that their generosity or self-indulgence has gone too far. In contexts involving hospitality or luxury, however, the word can be positive. Indulgent is related to the verb indulge and the noun indulgence, and its history reflects the older idea of yielding to what is sweet, appealing, or pleasurable. The word is useful because it captures both indulgence as a personal habit and indulgence as an experience deliberately provided.
adjectiveIndulgent means excessively lenient or permissive, especially in the way someone treats another person. It can also describe behavior marked by giving in to personal desires, or a treatment that is unusually luxurious and generous.
- Lenient or permissive, especially toward a child, subordinate, or someone under one's authority.
- Characterized by giving in to personal desires, pleasures, or luxuries.
- Luxurious, elaborate, or providing excessive comfort and pleasure.
"Her indulgent parents allowed their children to choose their own bedtime, despite the household's rule against late nights."
"The indulgent treatment at the resort included unlimited access to the spa and several gourmet meals."
"After a long day, he was indulgent and ordered dessert even though he had planned to eat lightly."
Indulgent has a surprisingly gentle origin: it comes from the Latin word for yielding to what is sweet or appealing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indulgent come from?
Indulgent entered English in the early 17th century from the Latin present participle indulgens, meaning “yielding to” or “allowing.” This form came from indulgere, “to grant, allow, or indulge,” which was formed from the prefix in- and dulcere, a verb related to sweetness or enticement. English later developed the related verb indulge and the noun indulgence, while the adjective retained its sense of excessive leniency or gratification.
Related word forms
How indulgent is actually used
The word commonly carries a mildly critical sense, implying that leniency or self-gratification goes too far. It can nevertheless be approving when it describes exceptional luxury, comfort, or kindness.
Easily confused with indulgent
Indulge is a verb meaning to give in to a desire or temptation, whereas indulgent is an adjective describing a person, action, or treatment characterized by leniency or excessive gratification.