tolerate
TOL-uh-rayt
Tolerate (verb) means to allow something to happen or continue, even if one disapproves of it. Example: “The school will not tolerate bullying in any form.”
verb
1
To allow something to happen or continue, even if one disapproves of it.
"The school will not tolerate bullying in any form."
"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.
"Few people can tolerate extreme heat for very long without a drink."
"He tolerated the long, cold wait because he really wanted a good seat."
"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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- tolerates
- Past tense
- tolerated
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The school will not _____ bullying in any form.
Etymology
From Latin "tolerātus," the past participle of "tolerō" ("to endure") — related to Old English "þolian" ("to suffer, bear").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for tolerate
See all rhymes for tolerate →Frequently asked questions
What does “tolerate” mean?
The word “tolerate” means to allow something to happen or continue, even if one disapproves of it. In plain terms, to put up with something, usually something you don't especially like.
How do you pronounce “tolerate”?
“Tolerate” is pronounced TOL-uh-rayt (/ˈtɑ.lə.ɹeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “tolerate” in a sentence?
Here is “tolerate” used in a sentence: “The manager wouldn't tolerate lateness from any of the staff.”
What is another word for “tolerate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tolerate” include countenance, have, abear, abide, aby and accept.
What is the opposite of “tolerate”?
The opposite of “tolerate” — its antonyms — are chafe, discriminate, lose one's temper, prohibit and rage.
What part of speech is “tolerate”?
“Tolerate” is a verb.
Where does the word “tolerate” come from?
The word “tolerate” comes from Latin. From Latin "tolerātus," the past participle of "tolerō" ("to endure") — related to Old English "þolian" ("to suffer, bear").
Is “tolerate” a common word?
“Tolerate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between tolerate and accept?
To tolerate something means to allow it to happen or continue even if one disapproves of it, implying some level of reluctance or discomfort, while to accept something often suggests a more neutral or willing acknowledgment without necessarily disapproving. Tolerating an annoying habit implies putting up with it despite disliking it, whereas accepting a decision implies agreeing to it.
What is the difference between tolerate and endure?
Tolerate means to allow something to happen or continue despite disapproval, while endure means to bear or withstand something difficult or unpleasant, often over a longer or more intense period, such as enduring pain. Tolerate is broader and can apply to mild annoyances, whereas endure often implies greater hardship.
Can tolerate be used to describe a physical reaction, such as to food or medicine?
Yes, tolerate is commonly used to describe the body's ability to bear or withstand something difficult or unpleasant, such as tolerating a medication or tolerating a certain food without adverse effects. This physical sense extends the general meaning of enduring something challenging.
