What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
passable
Example
The food was passable, but nothing to write home about. [passable: adjective]
Example
I managed to get a passable grade on the exam, even though I didn't study much. [passable: adjective]
tolerable
Example
The pain was tolerable with the help of some medication. [tolerable: adjective]
Example
The weather was tolerable for outdoor activities, despite being a bit chilly. [tolerable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tolerable is more commonly used than passable in everyday language. Tolerable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while passable is less common and refers to a level of quality that is satisfactory but not exceptional.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between passable and tolerable?
Both passable and tolerable are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversation or writing. However, passable may be slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage.
