Indulgent
/ɪnˈdʌl.dʒənt/noun
Characterized by a tendency to be lenient or permissive, often allowing for excess or pleasure.
Did you know?In medieval times, indulgences were granted by the Church to absolve sins, intertwining pleasure with salvation—a potent mix of power and desire.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰuǵʰ-
“to lead, draw out (related to sweetness or pleasing qualities)”
Latin
Latin
indulgere
“to be lenient, yield to desire (literally 'to grant or allow')”
Old French
Old French
indulgent
“lenient, forgiving, yielding to desires”
14th Century
English
indulgent
“permitting or allowing excess, especially in moral contexts”
Modern English
English
indulgent
“marked by a tendency to indulge or allow excessive pleasure”
Explore more surprising origins