indulge
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ɪnˈdʌldʒ/
KK: /ɪnˈdʌldʒ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To take part in something enjoyable or to allow oneself to enjoy something, often to excess.
Example
She decided to indulge in her favorite dessert after dinner.
Tense Forms
Past: indulged
Past Participle: indulged
Conversation
I decided to indulge in some ice cream today.
That sounds delicious! What flavor did you choose?
I went for chocolate fudge, my favorite.
Nice choice! Sometimes you just have to indulge a little.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
participate
engage
revel
Antonyms
restrain
deny
avoid
transitive verb
Definition
To allow oneself to enjoy something, often to an excessive degree, or to satisfy a desire or craving.
Example
She decided to indulge in a piece of chocolate cake after dinner.
Tense Forms
Past: indulged
Past Participle: indulged
Conversation
I decided to indulge myself with a slice of cake today.
That sounds delicious! What kind of cake is it?
It's chocolate, my favorite! Sometimes you just have to indulge a little.
Root Explanation
Indulge → It is formed from "in-" (meaning into or within) and "dulge" (from Latin "dulcis", meaning sweet). The word "indulge" means to allow oneself to enjoy something sweet or pleasurable, often excessively.
Memory Tip
Think of allowing yourself to enjoy something 'sweet' ('dulcis') and 'within' ('in-') — that's why indulge means to give in to pleasure.
Visually Confused Words
reindulge
unindulged
preindulge