indulgence
B2Formal and informal, depending on context.
Definition
Meaning
The act or practice of allowing yourself or someone else to have something enjoyable, especially more than is considered good or proper.
1. The state or attitude of being lenient or tolerant. 2. (Historical, Roman Catholic Church) A grant by the Pope of remission of the temporal punishment in purgatory still due for sins after absolution. 3. Something enjoyed as a special pleasure or treat.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies yielding to a desire that is potentially excessive or harmful. Can have a neutral (treat), positive (deserved reward), or negative (weakness, over-permissiveness) connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. The historical/religious sense is equally understood but equally archaic in general use.
Connotations
Slightly more common in UK English in formal or written contexts describing tolerance/leniency (e.g., 'the king's indulgence'). In US English, the 'treat/guilty pleasure' sense is perhaps more frequent in everyday speech.
Frequency
Medium frequency in both varieties, with similar overall usage patterns.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[indulgence in + NOUN (an activity)][indulgence of + NOUN (a desire/person)][VERB + indulgence (as direct object)]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A guilty indulgence”
- “Indulge in the luxury of (thought/feeling)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Criticized for its indulgence in risky, unproven ventures.
Academic
The study examines parental indulgence and its correlation with childhood outcomes.
Everyday
A hot bath with a book is my favourite weekend indulgence.
Technical
The sale of papal indulgences was a major point of contention during the Reformation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He would occasionally indulge in a pint of real ale.
- The grandparents loved to indulge their grandchildren.
American English
- She decided to indulge in a massive slice of pie.
- We can't afford to indulge every corporate demand.
adverb
British English
- She smiled indulgently at the puppy's antics.
- He nodded indulgently, allowing the plan to proceed.
American English
- The waiter looked on indulgently as we debated the menu.
- She patted his shoulder indulgently.
adjective
British English
- She gave him an indulgent smile.
- The hotel offered an indulgent spa package.
American English
- He took an indulgent attitude towards their late arrivals.
- The dessert menu was full of indulgent choices.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Chocolate is my big indulgence.
- The parents showed great indulgence to their child.
- We allowed ourselves one indulgence on holiday: eating dessert every night.
- His indulgence in video games worried his mother.
- The manager's indulgence of the star player's lateness created tension in the team.
- Buying those expensive shoes was a pure act of self-indulgence.
- The biography criticises the emperor's notorious indulgence and fiscal irresponsibility.
- Her indulgence in nostalgia was a brief respite from present difficulties.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of INdulgence as letting yourself IN to a DULGE (sounds like 'bulge' from overeating) of pleasure.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDULGENCE IS A LIQUID (to indulge/be immersed in something); SELF-CONTROL IS A CONTAINER (to break one's indulgence).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not directly translate 'индульгенция' for the modern 'treat' sense; it's a historical/religious false friend.
- Avoid using 'indulgence' to mean просто 'разрешение' (permission) or 'снисхождение' (condescension).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'indulgence' as a verb (incorrect: 'I will indulgence myself'; correct: 'I will indulge myself').
- Confusing 'indulgence' (noun) with 'indulgent' (adjective).
- Using the preposition 'on' instead of 'in' (incorrect: 'indulgence on chocolate'; correct: 'indulgence in chocolate').
Practice
Quiz
In a historical religious context, what was an 'indulgence' primarily believed to do?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it can imply excess, it often neutrally describes a permissible treat or a positive quality of tolerance, e.g., 'showing indulgence towards beginners'.
'Leniency' is specifically about less severe punishment or judgment. 'Indulgence' is broader, covering permissiveness of desires and can mean a treat. Leniency is rarely a 'treat'.
Yes. You can have 'an indulgence' (a single treat/act) or 'indulgences' (multiple treats/acts), e.g., 'His few indulgences included fine wine.'
'Self-indulgence' specifically and usually negatively refers to excessive gratification of one's own desires, emphasizing lack of self-control, e.g., 'a weekend of pure self-indulgence'.
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