verb
tolerate
TOL-uh-rayt
verb
1
To allow something to happen or continue, even if one disapproves of it.
"The manager wouldn't tolerate lateness from any of the staff."
"I can tolerate a bit of noise, but not all night long."
2
To bear or withstand something difficult or unpleasant.
"She could barely tolerate the smell of the chemicals."
How to Use Tolerate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo put up with something, usually something you don't especially like.
Common pairings
tolerate behaviour
cannot tolerate
tolerate the pain
Word Forms
tolerated past tense, tolerates singular
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The manager wouldn't _____ lateness from any of the staff.
Etymology
From Latin "tolerātus," the past participle of "tolerō" ("to endure") — related to Old English "þolian" ("to suffer, bear").