tolerate

[ˈtɑːləreɪt]

tolerate Definition

• 1. allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference
• 2. accept or endure (someone or something unpleasant or disliked) with forbearance

Using tolerate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tolerate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I cannot tolerate his insolence any longer.

• Example

  She tolerates her husband's laziness.

• Example

  The school will not tolerate bullying.

• Example

  I can't tolerate spicy food.

tolerate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tolerate

• endure
• bear
• suffer
• put up with
• stand

Antonyms for tolerate

• dislike
• intolerant
• hate

Idioms Using tolerate

• not suffer fools gladly

  to have little patience for people who are stupid or annoying

  Example

  My boss does not suffer fools gladly, so you better be prepared when you meet him.

• grin and bear it

  to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation without complaining

  Example

  I hate going to the dentist, but I just have to grin and bear it.

• bite the bullet

  to endure a painful or difficult situation with courage and determination

  Example

  I know the surgery will be painful, but I just have to bite the bullet and get it over with.

Phrases with tolerate

• tolerate someone's presence

  to allow someone to be near you without getting angry or upset

  Example

  I can barely tolerate his presence in the same room as me.

• tolerate criticism

  to accept and listen to criticism without getting angry or upset

  Example

  As a writer, you must learn to tolerate criticism from reviewers.

• tolerate pain

  to endure physical discomfort without complaining or giving up

  Example

  Athletes must learn to tolerate pain if they want to succeed in their sport.

Origins of tolerate

from Latin 'toleratus', past participle of 'tolerare', meaning 'to bear, endure'

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Summary: tolerate in Brief

The verb 'tolerate' [ˈtɑːləreɪt] means to allow or accept something or someone without interference or to endure something unpleasant. It can be used in various contexts, such as 'The school will not tolerate bullying' or 'I can't tolerate spicy food.' The phrase 'tolerate someone's presence' refers to allowing someone to be near you without getting angry or upset, while 'tolerate criticism' means accepting and listening to criticism without getting upset. Idioms like 'not suffer fools gladly' and 'bite the bullet' describe enduring difficult situations with courage and determination.