Definition

Adverb: In a manner characterized by excessive gratification of one's own desires, whims, or feelings, often without regard for others or for long-term consequences. It implies a lack of self-discipline.

Usage

The adverb "self-indulgently" modifies a verb to describe how an action is performed. It indicates that the action is done to please oneself in an excessive or unrestrained way. * It typically has a negative connotation, suggesting overindulgence, laziness, or a lack of control. * It describes the manner of an action, not the action itself.

Examples

• She spent the entire weekend self-indulgently watching television and eating snacks.
• He sighed self-indulgently, enjoying the feeling of being misunderstood.
• The author writes self-indulgently, adding lengthy passages that serve no purpose to the plot.

Advanced Usage

• Literary/Artistic Criticism: Used to critique creative work perceived as overly focused on the creator's personal expression at the expense of the audience or the work's coherence.
  • The film's director lingered self-indulgently on every scenic shot, making the narrative drag.
• Psychological/Social Commentary: Describes behavior viewed as narcissistic or lacking in self-restraint.
  • He spoke self-indulgently about his minor problems, ignoring the serious issues others faced.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-indulgence (noun): The state or an instance of indulging one's own desires.
  • Buying the expensive car was an act of pure self-indulgence.
• Self-indulgent (adjective): Having the characteristic of self-indulgence.
  • It was a self-indulgent purchase she later regretted.

Synonyms

• Indulgently
• Excessively
• Luxuriously (in some contexts)
• Hedonistically

Antonyms

• Abstinently
• Austerely
• Temperately
• Disciplinedly

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To wallow in (something): To indulge unrestrainedly in a particular state, often a negative emotion, sometimes done self-indulgently.
  • Instead of solving the problem, he wallowed self-indulgently in self-pity.
• To give in to (something): To yield to a desire or impulse, which can be done self-indulgently.
  • She gave in self-indulgently to her craving for chocolate.

Adverb

1. in a self-indulgent manner