Indulgence: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
indulgence
[ษชnหdสldสษns ]
Definition
religious practice
An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church.
Synonyms
absolution, dispensation, pardon.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| indulgence |
Use this word when referring to allowing oneself or others to enjoy something special or extra, often as a treat or luxury.
|
| pardon |
This term is used when referring to forgiving someone for an offense or legal wrongdoing, often in a formal or legal context.
|
| absolution |
This term is often used in religious contexts, especially within Christianity, referring to the formal forgiveness of sins by a priest.
|
| dispensation |
Use this word when talking about exemption from a rule or usual requirement, often granted by someone in authority.
|
Examples of usage
- The Pope granted indulgences to those who donated to the reconstruction of the cathedral.
- Many people sought indulgences in the Middle Ages to reduce their time in Purgatory.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'indulgentia,' meaning kindness or giving in.
- In Middle English, it was spelled 'indulgence,' referring to leniency or forgiveness.
- Originally, this term was closely associated with the idea of tolerance and generosity.
History
- In medieval Christianity, indulgences were grants by the Church to lessen punishment for sins, often sold for money.
- The selling of indulgences was one of the key issues that sparked the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.
- Non-religious indulgences have evolved, often referring to personal luxuries and excesses.
Psychology
- Indulgence can lead to temporary happiness but may also result in feelings of guilt or regret later.
- Psychologists suggest that moderate indulgence can be beneficial for mental well-being, allowing for balance in one's life.
- Research indicates that people might be happier when they allow themselves small indulgences instead of continuously denying desires.
Pop Culture
- The concept of indulgence is often portrayed in movies, where characters might indulge in a lavish lifestyle or guilty pleasures.
- Reality TV shows often highlight themes of indulgence through extreme diets, fashion, and luxury living.
- Social media influencers frequently promote indulgent lifestyles, showcasing luxurious travel, dining, and beauty routines.
Philosophy
- Many philosophical texts explore the balance between self-control and indulgence, debating its moral implications.
- Epicureanism, an ancient philosophy, promotes the idea that indulgence can lead to a pleasurable life if done in moderation.
- Critics of indulgence argue that excessive focus on pleasure can detract from deeper values and responsibilities.
Translations
Translations of the word "indulgence" in other languages:
๐ต๐น indulgรชncia
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคจเฅเคเฅเคฐเคน
๐ฉ๐ช Nachsicht
๐ฎ๐ฉ pengampunan
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะพะฑะปะฐะถะปะธะฒัััั
๐ต๐ฑ odpust
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฏๅฎน
๐ซ๐ท indulgence
๐ช๐ธ indulgencia
๐น๐ท hoลgรถrรผ
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ด์ฉ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุบูุฑุงู
๐จ๐ฟ odpustek
๐ธ๐ฐ odpustok
๐จ๐ณ ๅฎฝๅฎน
๐ธ๐ฎ popustljivost
๐ฎ๐ธ aflausn
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถะฐะทะฐะปะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แจแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ baฤฤฑลlama
๐ฒ๐ฝ indulgencia
Word Frequency Rank
Position #9,381 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.
- ...
- 9378 restricting
- 9379 bachelor
- 9380 mosaic
- 9381 indulgence
- 9382 photon
- 9383 thither
- 9384 sentencing
- ...