Indulgently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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indulgently

[ษชnหˆdสŒldส’ษ™ntlษช ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used in a sentence

In a manner indicating a readiness to be generous, lenient, or tolerant.

Synonyms

leniently, patiently, tolerantly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indulgently

Used when showing a willingness to be overly generous or lenient, often in situations involving children, pets, or someone you care about.

  • She smiled indulgently at her grandchildren as they played in the yard.
  • He indulgently allowed his dog to sleep on the bed.
leniently

Appropriate when describing a situation where rules or standards are applied softly, often in a compassionate or understanding manner.

  • The teacher graded the homework leniently, knowing the students had a hard week.
  • The judge decided to treat the first-time offender leniently.
tolerantly

Used to describe a behavior that shows acceptance of things or people one might not agree with, often involving differences in opinion, lifestyle, or culture.

  • They lived tolerantly among neighbors of different backgrounds.
  • He tolerantly accepted his colleague's unconventional methods.
patiently

Best used when describing someone who is showing calmness and endurance, especially in the face of delay or trouble.

  • She waited patiently for her turn at the doctor's office.
  • He listened patiently to his friend's long story.

Examples of usage

  • She smiled indulgently at her grandson's antics.
  • He listened indulgently to his friend's rambling stories.
  • The teacher looked indulgently at the student who was daydreaming in class.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Indulging can create short-term pleasure but may lead to guilt if done excessively, affecting mental well-being.
  • Psychologists suggest that occasional indulgence can enhance motivation and satisfaction in life.

Culinary Arts

  • In culinary contexts, indulgent dishes often feature rich ingredients like cream, butter, and chocolate, making them special for celebrations.
  • Food critics describe indulgent meals as those that provide a luxurious taste experience, often meant to be savored slowly.

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures celebrate indulgence during festivals or holidays, where traditional foods and treats take center stage.
  • In consumer culture, indulgence is often marketed as a reward for hard work, encouraging people to treat themselves.

Literature

  • Indulgence often appears in stories as a character trait leading to conflicts, highlighting human desires and flaws.
  • Famous novels, such as those in the 'Great Gatsby', explore themes of indulgence in wealth, love, and lifestyle, reflecting on society's values.

Origin of 'indulgently'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'indulge' comes from Latin 'indulgere,' which means to be lenient or yield to desires.
  • The suffix 'ently' indicates how the action is done, turning 'indulge' into a way of behaving towards oneself or others.

The word 'indulgently' originated from the verb 'indulge', which comes from the Latin word 'indulgere', meaning 'to be kind or tender'. Over time, the adverb 'indulgently' evolved to describe the act of being generous or lenient towards someone. The usage of 'indulgently' has been prevalent in English language for centuries, reflecting a positive and compassionate attitude towards others.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,337 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.