Meaning & Definition of word "Indulgence"
Indulgence
/ɪnˈdʌl.dʒəns/
noun:
- 1. The action or fact of indulging; gratification of desire.
- Example: After a long week, she allowed herself an indulgence in the form of a decadent dessert.
- 2. A luxury or pleasure that one allows oneself; a special treat.
- Example: He considered his afternoon coffee break as an indulgence he looked forward to every day.
- 3. The state of being indulgent; leniency.
- Example: The teacher's indulgence toward late submissions was appreciated by the students.
- 4. In the context of Roman Catholicism, a remission of the temporal punishment due to sin.
- Example: During the Lent season, the church offered indulgences for those who performed acts of charity.
Etymology
●Middle English, from Old French 'indulgens', from Latin 'indulgentia'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
guilty indulgence:
A pleasure that one enjoys despite feeling it may be wrong or excessive.
self-indulgence:
The act of allowing oneself to enjoy one's desires or pleasures without restraint.
Related Words
indulge:
To allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of.
indulgent:
Characterized by excessive leniency or generosity.
Slang Meanings of indulgence
Meaning: Going all out
● Example Sentence: He really went all out with his birthday party this year.
Meaning: Treat yourself
● Example Sentence: It's been a long week, treat yourself to some dessert!