Unindulgent

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Not inclined to overlook faults or grant leniency, instead being strict, stern, or severe with others
2. Marked by a refusal to humor, excuse, or pamper, preferring firmness and rigor over kindness or tolerance
3. Showing strictness rather than tolerance, withholding the easy forgiveness or pleasure that others might allow

Etymology: "Unindulgent" is simply the English prefix "un-", meaning "not," attached to "indulgent," so the word literally means "not indulgent." The base word "indulgent" comes from "indulge," which traces back to the Latin "indulgere," meaning "to be kind to, to yield to, or to give free rein." That Latin sense of gentleness and giving way is the root of the modern idea of being lenient toward someone. The negative form reverses that sense: where an indulgent person yields to others' wishes or lets them off lightly, an unindulgent one holds firm and expects strict standards. The construction is a straightforward compound of familiar parts, so the word's meaning can be read directly from its pieces. It describes a person who refuses to excuse faults or to grant easy concessions.

Synonyms: strict, severe, stern, harsh, rigorous

Antonyms: indulgent, lenient, permissive, tolerant, forgiving