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Indulgence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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indulgence

[ɪnˈdʌldʒəns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

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?

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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.

  • She allowed herself a small indulgence in the form of a chocolate cake.
  • They viewed their weekend getaway as an indulgence from their busy schedules.
pardon

This term is used when referring to forgiving someone for an offense or legal wrongdoing, often in a formal or legal context.

  • The president issued a pardon for the convicted felon.
  • She asked for his pardon after accidentally breaking his favorite vase.
absolution

This term is often used in religious contexts, especially within Christianity, referring to the formal forgiveness of sins by a priest.

  • He sought absolution for his sins by going to confession.
  • The priest granted her absolution after she expressed genuine remorse.
dispensation

Use this word when talking about exemption from a rule or usual requirement, often granted by someone in authority.

  • They received a special dispensation to miss the mandatory meeting for a personal emergency.
  • The king granted a dispensation allowing them to marry despite the usual restrictions.

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'indulgence'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The concept of indulgences in the Roman Catholic Church dates back to the early Middle Ages. Originally, indulgences were granted for acts of piety, such as pilgrimages or charitable donations. Over time, the practice became more controversial, leading to the Reformation and the subsequent Council of Trent, which sought to reform the abuse of indulgences. Today, indulgences are still a part of Catholic theology, though their practice has been significantly revised.

See also: indulge, indulgent, overindulge, overindulgence.

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.