What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
indulgent
Example
The mother was indulgent towards her child's sweet tooth, allowing them to have dessert every night. [indulgent: adjective]
Example
He indulged in a luxurious spa day to pamper himself after a long week at work. [indulged: past tense verb]
tolerant
Example
She was tolerant of her friend's political views, even though they differed from her own. [tolerant: adjective]
Example
The hiker was tolerant of the harsh weather conditions during their trek through the mountains. [tolerant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tolerant is more commonly used than indulgent in everyday language. Tolerant is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while indulgent is less common and often used in a personal context.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between indulgent and tolerant?
Both indulgent and tolerant can be used in formal and informal contexts, but tolerant is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.