What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bear
Example
He struggled to bear the weight of the heavy boxes. [bear: verb]
Example
She couldn't bear the pain anymore and went to see a doctor. [bear: verb]
tolerate
Example
I can't tolerate the noise coming from the construction site. [tolerate: verb]
Example
She has a high tolerance for spicy food. [tolerance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tolerate is more commonly used than bear in everyday language. Tolerate is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while bear is less common and often used in specific situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between bear and tolerate?
While bear is generally more formal, tolerate is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.