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indulgence

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ɪnˈdʌldʒəns/

indulgence means: Allowing yourself or someone else to have something enjoyable, often more than is sensible.

noun

ENJOYING PLEASUREC1

Allowing yourself or someone else to have something enjoyable, often more than is sensible.

  • Chocolate is my favorite indulgence.
  • An occasional indulgence can make a difficult day better.
  • Their holiday was a week of pure indulgence.

How to use it: indulgence in something (His indulgence in rich food affected his health.)

Similar words: self-indulgence

Opposites: restraint

Common phrases: occasional indulgence, self indulgence, indulgence in something

KIND TOLERANCEC1

A kind willingness to forgive mistakes or allow behavior you would usually object to.

  • She treated his mistakes with indulgence.
  • I ask your indulgence while I explain the delay.
  • His parents showed too much indulgence toward his bad behavior.

Similar words: tolerance, leniency

Opposites: strictness

Common phrases: ask your indulgence, with indulgence

CHURCH PARDONC2

In Catholic belief, a reduction in punishment still owed for sins that have already been forgiven.

  • The pope granted an indulgence.
  • The historian studied the sale of indulgences.
  • Pilgrims hoped to receive a plenary indulgence.

Common phrases: plenary indulgence, grant an indulgence, receive an indulgence

Questions about indulgence

What does indulgence mean?

Allowing yourself or someone else to have something enjoyable, often more than is sensible.

What is indulgence in other languages?

Türkçe: kendini şımartma · Español: autocomplacencia · Français: plaisir · Deutsch: Genuss · Italiano: gratificazione · 日本語: 道楽

How do you pronounce indulgence?

It is pronounced /ɪnˈdʌldʒəns/.

How do you use indulgence in a sentence?

Chocolate is my favorite indulgence. An occasional indulgence can make a difficult day better.

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indulgence in other languages

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