What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
endure
Example
The athlete had to endure a lot of pain during the marathon. [endure: verb]
Example
The company had to endure several financial setbacks before finally succeeding. [endure: verb]
Example
I can't endure the sound of nails on a chalkboard. [endure: verb]
tolerate
Example
I can tolerate spicy food, but not too much. [tolerate: verb]
Example
We must learn to tolerate each other's differences. [tolerate: verb]
Example
The school does not tolerate bullying behavior. [tolerate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tolerate is more commonly used than endure in everyday language. Tolerate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while endure is less common and often used in more specific situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between endure and tolerate?
Both endure and tolerate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but tolerate is generally considered more neutral and appropriate for a wider range of situations.