indulgent

/ɪnˈdʌldʒənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈdʌldʒənt/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈdəl-jənt/ (ame, mw)

indulgent — adjective

  • indulgentpositive
  • more indulgentcomparative
  • most indulgentsuperlative

1. willing to let people you are responsible for follow their desires, even when do

1.形容詞B2
釋義

willing to let people you are responsible for follow their desires, even when doing so may cause problems or harm to them

例句

Keiko's indulgent uncle bought her ice cream every time she asked for it.

indulgent + family role noun (uncle/grandparent)

The indulgent manager let her team leave early on Fridays without checking their progress.

indulgent + authority role noun (manager/boss)

同義詞
  • lenient

    focuses on not punishing harshly; indulgent goes further by actively giving in to wishes

  • permissive

    suggests a deliberate parenting or management style based on principle, whereas indulgent implies giving in out of affection or a desire to please

  • generous

    neutral or positive in tone, focusing on giving without the negative sense of spoiling

反義詞
  • strict

    demands that rules be followed and does not accept excuses

  • stern

    serious and firm, leaving little room for leniency

文法句型

indulgent + with + [person]

indulgent + toward + [person/creature]

用法筆記

Frequently describes people in positions of authority or care (parents, grandparents, bosses, teachers) who give in too easily. Often carries mild criticism of the person's softness or lack of discipline. The compound 'self-indulgent' is the usual form when referring to someone who treats themselves too generously, though 'indulgent lifestyle' and similar phrases are established exceptions that describe a life focused on pleasure and gratification.

常見錯誤

❌My grandparents are indulgent to me.
✅My grandparents are indulgent with me.
💡The correct preposition is 'with', not 'to', when specifying who receives the leniency.
❌He is indulgent, eating three whole cakes in one sitting.
✅He is self-indulgent when it comes to food.
💡In most contexts, 'indulgent' alone describes permissiveness toward others; use 'self-indulgent' for treating oneself. However, 'indulgent lifestyle' is an established exception: the word can also describe a life focused on pleasure and self-gratification.