indulgence

[ɪnˈdʌld͡ʒəns]
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An indulgence is when someone gives in to their desires and does or buys something they normally wouldn't. They might treat themselves to their favorite food or buy an expensive item.

When people talk about indulgences, it usually means that they're making a choice to enjoy themselves, even if it's not the healthiest or most practical option. For example, on a diet, someone might have an indulgence by eating a slice of pizza or ordering dessert after dinner. The word can also refer to a pleasure or luxury item, like a fancy watch or designer shoes - in this case, it's something you buy because you want to enjoy the experience of having it.

How common is "indulgence"?

Word indulgence is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions

noun

  • The act of indulging

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verb

  • (Roman Catholic Church) to provide with an indulgence

Real examples of "indulgence" in context

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