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Glite Dictionary
indulgently

indulgently

2 6.6
In a kind, relaxed way that lets someone do things that may not be good for them
  • adverb
  • /ɪnˈdʌldʒəntli/
translation icon : indulgentemente
  • She indulgently allowed her children to stay up late on weekends.
  • smiled indulgently
  • laughed indulgently
  • chuckled indulgently

Examples

  • The teacher indulgently let the students choose their own topics for the project.

  • He listened indulgently to his friend's numerous complaints about work.

  • On the contrary, they all smile indulgently and say what a nice romantic fellow he is.

    Adventures of Don Juan (1948)

  • The gentleman from Germany, always pleased in the pleasure of others, is indulgently sympathetic.

    Blog text (22)

  • We looked at the Master, and he smiled indulgently.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • The salesclerk smiles indulgently at her.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • Raeburn smiled indulgently at her.

    Fiction book (2002)

  • The college students who are asked to evaluate such explanations laugh, albeit indulgently.

    Academic text (2004)

  • Luz scrutinized his bride indulgently but also with some surprise.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • Deanna smiled at him indulgently.

    Fiction book (2002)

Antonyms

harshly
49 3.5

In a severe or unkind way that feels unpleasant

restrictively
1 6.0

In a way that limits what is allowed

How Indulgent

indulgently
2 6.6
leniently
1 3.4

Surface Forms

indulgently positive
indulgentlier comparative
indulgentliest superlative

Morphology

indulgently = indulgent (transparent) = indulge + ent + ly

The adverb is formed by the regular addition of '-ly' to the adjective 'indulgent', producing a predictable adverbial meaning.

Etymology

Indulgently comes from the verb indulge, which goes back to Latin indulgere meaning 'to be kind to' or 'to give in'. So to act indulgently is to be gentle and allow someone what they want, even if it is not good for them.