tolerate Definition
- 1allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference
- 2accept 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
Antonyms for tolerate
Idioms Using tolerate
Example
My boss does not suffer fools gladly, so you better be prepared when you meet him.
Example
I hate going to the dentist, but I just have to grin and bear it.
Example
I know the surgery will be painful, but I just have to bite the bullet and get it over with.
Phrases with tolerate
Example
I can barely tolerate his presence in the same room as me.
Example
As a writer, you must learn to tolerate criticism from reviewers.
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'
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.