If you are indulgent, you treat a person with special kindness, often in a way that is not good for them.
His indulgent mother was willing to let him do anything he wanted.
Synonyms: lenient, liberal, kind, kindly More Synonyms of indulgent
indulgentlyadverb [usually ADVERB with verb, oft ADVERB adjective]
Ned smiled at him indulgently.
indulgent in British English
(ɪnˈdʌldʒənt)
adjective
showing or characterized by indulgence
Derived forms
indulgently (inˈdulgently)
adverb
indulgent in American English
(ɪnˈdʌldʒənt)
adjective
indulging or inclined to indulge; kind or lenient, often to excess
Derived forms
indulgently (inˈdulgently)
adverb
Word origin
L indulgens
Examples of 'indulgent' in a sentence
indulgent
In the meantime, he is an indulgent father.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There is something rather indulgent about being able to lay outstretched in your kitchen.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The snobbery was in keeping with the times and provoked indulgent smiles.
Patrick Bishop FIGHTER BOYS: Saving Britain 1940 (2003)
Have western parents become too indulgent?
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Just for good measure, they throw her indulgent parents down there too.
Paul Martin MAKING HAPPY PEOPLE (2005)
The maître d' smiled like an indulgent uncle.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Although annoying, this habit is not so much a behavioural problem but rather one of indulgent ownership.
Standen, Chris Superdog! Action plans that work for a happy and well-behaved pet (1990)
I looked at my father and he returned my look with an indulgent smile.
Carlos Acosta No Way Home: A Cuban Dancer's Tale (2007)
We are strongly advising that one indulgent treat is fine but you don't eat four or five packets.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The rest is rather indulgent.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
He is an indulgent father.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
And grant as an indulgent parent that we may hereafter continue to live a harmless and happy life and keep our self-respect.
Christianity Today (2000)
It is a rather indulgent affair that includes foie gras, smoked salmon, oysters and lobster.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
On Blossom, another deserted daughter is similarly disgusted with her indulgent mother.
Jackson, Rosie Mothers who Leave (1994)
The treatments were truly indulgent and there were complimentary towels and refreshments served while I chilled out in the superb facilities.
The Sun (2013)
For those who don't feel like it, there are also a few less healthy but indulgent choices.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
If you're frying bacon, preserve the liquid left in the pan at the end for an indulgent treat.
The Sun (2012)
Since then they have enjoyed glittering success in road cycling so their return to the track for Sunday's championships finale feels like an indulgent treat.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
In other languages
indulgent
British English: indulgent ADJECTIVE
If you are indulgent, you treat a person with special kindness, often in a way that is not good for them.
His indulgent mother was willing to let him do anything he wanted.
American English: indulgent
Brazilian Portuguese: indulgente
Chinese: 宠溺的
European Spanish: indulgente
French: indulgent
German: nachsichtig
Italian: indulgente
Japanese: >甘い子供に
Korean: 하고싶은대로 다 하게 놔두는
European Portuguese: indulgente
Latin American Spanish: indulgente
Chinese translation of 'indulgent'
indulgent
(ɪnˈdʌldʒənt)
adj
[parent]溺爱(愛)的 (nì'ài de)
[smile]宽(寬)容的 (kuānróng de)
(adjective)
Definition
kind or lenient, often to excess
His indulgent mother was willing to let him do what he wanted.
Synonyms
lenient
The Professor takes a slightly more lenient view.
liberal
She is known to have liberal views on abortion and contraception.
kind
He was a very kind man, full of common sense.
kindly
He was a stern critic but an extremely kindly man.
understanding
Her boss, who was very understanding, gave her time off.
gentle
a quiet and gentle man who liked sports and enjoyed life
tender
tender, loving care
mild
He is a mild man, reasonable almost to the point of blandness.
fond
She gave him a fond smile.
favourable
tolerant
They need to be tolerant of different points of view.
gratifying
easy-going
They have a very easy-going attitude to life.
compliant
permissive
Her parents are permissive and set few clear boundaries.