ENGLISH
REFERENCE

indulgence

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˌɪnˈdəɫdʒəns// UK //ɪndˈʌldʒəns// in·dul·gence

n. the act of letting yourself have or do something that you enjoy, especially if it is not healthy or necessary. It can also mean being very patient and kind to someone even when they are doing something wrong.

n. the act of allowing oneself to enjoy a particular desire or luxury, often to excess. Can also refer to a disposition to be lenient or overlook the faults of others.


SIMPLE

Eating chocolate every day is my favorite indulgence.

CONTEXTUAL

After working sixty hours this week, a full day at the spa felt like a necessary indulgence rather than a luxury.

COMPLEX

The novelist's prose was criticized for its stylistic indulgence, as he often prioritized flowery descriptions over the actual progression of the plot.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English indulgence, indulgens, from Middle French indulgence and its source, Latin indulgentia.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general habit of self-gratification; countable when referring to a specific treat or act.

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