overindulgent
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Excessively indulgent: Characterized by allowing oneself or another to have too much of something desired, especially to the point of being harmful or lacking discipline. It implies a level of leniency or gratification that goes beyond what is reasonable or healthy.
Usage
- The word "overindulgent" is used to describe a person, their behavior, or an attitude that is excessively permissive or generous, often leading to negative consequences. It is a descriptive term, typically used in a critical or cautionary context.
- It can modify nouns directly (e.g., an overindulgent parent) or be used with linking verbs (e.g., She was overindulgent).
Examples
- As an adjective:
- The overindulgent grandparents always filled the children with sweets and bought them expensive toys.
- An overindulgent attitude towards spending can quickly lead to serious debt.
- Critics accused the director of being overindulgent, allowing the film to run for over four hours.
Advanced Usage
- "to be overindulgent in/with something": This structure specifies the area of excess.
- He was overindulgent with praise, making it seem insincere.
- She warned against being overindulgent in one's leisure time at the expense of responsibilities.
Variants and Related Words
- Overindulgence (noun): The act or habit of being overindulgent; excessive indulgence.
- His health problems were a direct result of years of overindulgence.
- Indulgent (adjective): Kindly allowing more freedom or pleasure than usual. (This is the base word without the excessive connotation).
- They were indulgent parents, but not to a fault.
Synonyms
- Permissive: Allowing freedom, especially to other people's behavior.
- Lavish: Bestowing something in generous or extravagant quantities.
- Excessive: More than is necessary, normal, or desirable.
Antonyms
- Strict: Demanding that rules are obeyed.
- Austere: Severe or strict in manner or attitude.
- Abstemious: Not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking.
Adjective
- excessively indulgent